The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-21

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Pakistan

21 Σεπ 2008 12:28:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: Reuters, NET-NET 105,8-ANA

Pictures of chaos and panic prevailed yesterday in Pakistans capital after the terrorist attack that hit the Marriot Hotel. The multi fatal blats killed at least 60 people and injured 270, among them many foreigners.

A crater up to 20 feet (6 metres) deep was in the road in front of the gates of the hotel, which had been bombed twice before. The Interior Ministry said the bomb probably contained more than 500 kg (1,100 lb) of explosives. Flames and smoke poured out of the 290-room, five-storey hotel located in a high security zone. Dozens of cars were destroyed and windows shattered hundreds of metres away.

This is one of the worst attacks taking place in Pakistan after new President Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, made his first address to parliament a few hundred metres (yards) away, calling for terrorism to be rooted out.

Pakistan authorities express the certainty that its work of Al Qaeda. Marriot often hosts the Pakistani elite, as well as foreign officials. A Czech ambassador and an American and German national, were among those killed."The body was identified" an official said and added that the body of the ambassador has been sent to the Czech embassy. The above news was confirmed by Prague and state TV channel CT 24.

In Berlin, a representative of Foreign Affairs ministry reported that 7 nationals were injured, one of whom is in critical condition during the suicide attack. Among the victims were women as well as children hospital and police sources in Islamabad said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] On Monday

21 Σεπ 2008 18:14:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Customs Officers Federation is staging a strike on Monday, while their announcement stresses that all refineries, border stations, ports and airports will be closed. This means a serious problem in the market s supply with food items and fuel. Customs will operate with skeleton personnel who will only carry out inspection of imports & exports regarding perishable and national importance products such as military supplies, medicine, fuel for hospitals and means of mass transport and live stock. The Pan-Hellenic Exporters Union in their letter to Finance Minister call for his intervention to suspend their mobilisation, expected to create multiple problems.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Interministerial Committee of Denationalization

21 Σεπ 2008 14:56:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A week of developments starts tomorrow for Olympic Airways. During the next following the interministerial committee of denationalizations is expected to approve Mr. Hatzidakis initiative per the start of international competitions for the buying out of OA that will be completed in late December. According to consultants on denationalizations, the buying interest by companies and financial organizations is risen in both Greece as well as in European and Asian markets. Ministry of Transport has invited unionists to discuss after the general meeting of their administrative boards. As already announced by the representatives of employees, a sit in of Airlines administration offices, in El. Venizelos airport, has been scheduled for Tuesday.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Rapist Arrested

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

A 19-year old student, charged with rape, was arrested in Halkida on Saturday. The suspect admitted 5 rapes and 7 rape attempts in a two-month period. He was arrested after a rape attempt failed and he was recognized by his victims.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] On the Cypriot and Skopje Issues

21 Σεπ 2008 15:28:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Greek FM Dora Bakoyiannis will have important meetings in New York regarding the Cypriot and Skopje issues. She is expected to have talks with the president of the Cypriot Republic on Tuesday while she has also planned a meeting with the UN General Secretary at the end of the following week.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] In the Olympic Center of Sailing

21 Σεπ 2008 14:14:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ΝΕΤ

3 people, a man and two women, were killed today when they car fell into the sea. The accident was reported in Agios Kosmas area, Athens. The causes are still unknown. The bodies were transferred to Askleipio Hospital.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Britain

21 Σεπ 2008 13:44:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

ΟGeorge Michael was arrested in public toilets suspected of possessing drugs. Reports say the singer was arrested after a tip-off from a suspicious toilet attendant after he was seen loitering in underground loos in Londons Hampstead Heath on Friday. When officers arrived Michael was still in the toilet and police reportedly found him in possession of cannabis and crack cocaine. In an interview for BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs last year, Michael talked openly about his drug use. He said: "Im a happy man and I can afford my marijuana so thats not a problem." Throughout 2006 and 2007, Michael was regularly in the headlines over various drug related incidents.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] According to EMY

21 Σεπ 2008 13:16:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Sporadic rains and storms are forecast mainly in the mainland and in the southern parts of the country. Tropical rainfalls in the East and South, northern east winds reaching 6 Beaufort, winds in the Aegean Islands as well as low temperature is the weather scenery for today. In Attika prefecture, cloudiness will prevail and rainfalls are forecast for Sunday night. 4 to 5 Beaufort winds are blowing north east. Temperature will rise to 14 - 21 °C. In Thessaloniki, cloudiness and 4 to 5 Beaufort winds are blowing today. Temperature will rise to 14 -19 °C.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] According to "Rising Nepal Newspaper"

21 Σεπ 2008 12:51:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

Media reported today that 14 people at least have been killed while many are missing after the monsoon rainfalls, floods and landslides that hit Nepal. The Kosi river, which burst a dam in Nepal, has heaped massive suffering on millions of people in downstream Bihar state in India. Water levels were now receding there. Missing people are over 30 while and more than 20.000 were forced to abandon their homes. Meteorological services reported that in some Nepal areas the height of the rainfalls reached 345 mm and they are expected to continue today. What must be stressed is that more than 70 people have been killed by floods and landslides since June in Nepal.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article