The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] In the Centre of Athens

30 Αυγ 2008 10:55:00 (Last updated: 30 Αυγ 2008 15:13:05)

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: NET-ANA

Serious incidents among at least 150 foreigners from Somalia, Sudan and Nigeria broke out in Geraniou, Menandrou and Sophocleous streets in the centre of Athens Friday. 11 foreigners and one policeman were injured and were hospitalized. The foreigners used swords, knives and bats in the incidents, forcing the police to intervene. A policeman was injured by a foreigner, who used an axe against him. When the policeman shot against him, he injured him in the leg. However, the bullet ricochetted and hit a passer by.

75 foreigners were taken to the police station and 19 were finally arrested. As per the police the clashes broke out because some Sudanese wished to force newcomers to participate in the drug trafficking taking place in that area.

Meanwhile, PASOK cadre Anna Diamantopoulou accused the government of not preventing the deterioration of Athens' historic area, adding that the PM should meet with the Athens Mayor, the Prefect and ministers to take long-term measures before the situation deteriorates.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Wrangling on the Draft-bill

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The opposition and Trade Unions have been criticizing the government for the new tax measures included in the draft-bill to be debated in Parliament Tuesday. At the same time, Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis enjoys the support of government cadres for his measures. Transport Minister Kostis Hatzidakis argued that the measures aim at combating tax evasion, while Culture Minister Michalis Liapis described the measures necessary. Meanwhile, PASOK (Socialists) spokesman G. Papakonstantinou asked for the withdrawal of the measures, which are the result of the governments unsuccessful economic policy. Moreover, he described Mr Alogoskoufis unreliable. SYRIZA (Coaltion of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Head Alekos Alavanos stated that 50% of the existing firms would close as a result of the measures. KKE (Communist Party of Greece) described the government incompetent and asked from the people to denounce the parties that support Greeces course to the EU, while LAOS (Orthodox Popular Rally) spoke of non-viable policy.

Tatoulis Criticism

In an interview with Imerisia newspaper ND cadre left barbs for the governments policy. He argued that some top cadres decided not to fulifil the partys commitments made in 2004 for their own benefit. He also attributed the present political problem to insufficient and weak-kneed governments

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Deadly Quake Hit China

Sources: Reuters

An earthquake hit southwest Chinas Sichuan province on Saturday, killing 15 people and injuring nearly a hundred as houses in rural villages collapsed, state media reported. The epicentre of the quake, which struck around 4:30 p.m.(0730 GMT), was 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Panzhihua, near Sichuans border with Yunnan province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was six miles (10 km) deep. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude of the quake at 5.7 and Chinas official Xinhua news agency said it measured 6.1 on the Richter scale.

[04] With Happy End

30 Αυγ 2008 15:36:00

Sources: ANA

"Sardinia Vera" ferries departing from Piraeus port to Ikaria, Fournous and Samos Islands presented mechanical damage. The ships ramp bedded in Samos Island and after six hours of repairs the damage was restored and the disembarkation of vehicles was smoothed. The sipping company paid for a bus to transfer passengers to their destination. "Sardinia Vera" will be submitted to control and if provided with the necessary safety license, it will conduct its scheduled route as planned.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Assasin Surrenders

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: NET

A 53-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a bar in Thessaloniki at dawn by a 47-year-old.

The crime took place near the Railway station after a row broke out between the two men.

The culprit surrendered himself to the police.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Political Turmoil in Thailand

Sources: ΑNA, German News Agency, Reuters, AFP

Ralies reached their peak these days in Thailand with protesters having occupied the government's headquarters after clashing with the police. Railway employees are staging a strike, while the Thai Airways Trade Union appealed for a strike. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Saturday he would not quit in the face of growing protests aimed at toppling his seven-month-old government. Speaking at an official event, Samak said he had requested an audience with Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej later on Saturday to brief him on the political situation. Samak said he had tried to reach a compromise with the thousands of protesters who have occupied the prime minister's official compound since Tuesday and vowed to stay until he quits. "I will never resign in response to these threats," Samak said to cheers and clapping from the crowd attending a ceremony at a sports stadium to honor the king and queen's birthdays. Samak said his six-party coalition government had been legally elected in December and he could not be removed by unconstitutional means.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Bakoyannis on FYROM

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

Addressing the World Congress of Florina descendants all over the world, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis sent another message of peaceful co-existence and mutual cooperation between FYROM and Greece. The solution should include a geographic qualifier, allowing FYROM to join NATO and the EU.

Dora Bakoyannis stressed Greece wishes no winners or losers in the solution of the FYROM name issue, adding that the solution to be found should reflect the regions reality. The solution should also put an end to irrendist propaganda and nationalistic ideas. Moreover, the solution should not deprive any Greek in northern Greece from the right to feel proud that he is Macedonian and honor his roots and glorious history.

She also stressed that in parallel to its positive and constructive stance Greece will continue supporting FYROMs development with many Greek investments there. The trade volume between the two countries in 2007 ammounted to about 690 million euros, while Greek investments there amounting to 950 million euros have created 20,000 working positions.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] End of Sales

Sources: NET

The end of sales today will be followed by ten days of offer to which merchants are laying their hopes for the rally of the market, as turnover for them was low due to the peoples low purchasing potential. In some cases sales reached 70% on clothing items.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Measures against Hurricane Gustav

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP, REUTERS

Hurricane Gustav strengthened into a Category 3 storm on Saturday, as it churned across warm Caribbean waters toward western Cuba, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. It also did not rule out entering category 4. Around 2:15 a.m., forecasters at the Miami-based center said Gustavs top winds had reached near 155 kph as it passed about 50 miles northeast of Grand Cayman Island. The storm, which killed up to 85 people in the Caribbean, was plowing toward superheated waters south of Cuba where it could absorb enough energy to strengthen into a major hurricane before ripping through the heavy concentration of U.S. oil and natural gas platforms off Louisiana. While long-range storm forecasts are prone to errors, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said late Friday that Gustav could be a "major" Category 4 storm on the five-stage Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity within 48 hours. The storms most likely track has it going ashore west of New Orleans on Tuesday morning.

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