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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-12-30The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Diplomacy in Europe- Raids in GazaIsraeli air raids against Hamaz government buildings and other installations in the Gaza Strip continue for the fourth day on Tuesday. Over 360 people have been killed and 1.690 wounded so far while chaos prevails in the region's hospitals. Some 60 civilians were killed among them many children according to UN observers. According to UNRWA ( UN service for Palestinian refugees) spokesman, Christopher Gines said that 57 civilians have been killed among them 21 children and at least 7 women. "We have an all-out war against Hamas" said Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barrack, adding that it may be widened with a land operation in Gaza Strip which has been declared a closed military zone.Hamaz, however, fired rockets against south Israel yesterday, killing three people. "World leaders are not doing enough to achieve cease fire" said UN Gen Sec, Ban Ki moon. In the meantime, EU member states Foreign Ministers are holding an extraordinary meeting in Paris on Tuesday afternoon in order to coordinate their actions to put an end to violence. In the next days, French President, Nikola Sarkozy will receive Israeli Foreign Minister Jipi Livni, considered the most popular candidate for the premiership post. Meeting in France Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni is to meet with Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis at 10:30 on Tuesday morning. "Our aim is to open a humanitarian road to Gaza and Athens is ready to offer humanitarian aid", stressed Mrs. Bakoyianni in an interview with Mega channel yesterday. She had a telephone contact with French Foreign Minister and the general secretary of the Arab League yesterday and agreed on the need to put a halt on violence.EU French Presidency aims to achieve "humanitarian cease fire in the Gaza Strip" so medical aid can reach civilians. The Greek Foreign Minister is to fly to Paris on Tuesday to attend EU Foreign Ministers informal meeting- to be held at 19:30 Greek local time- aimed to coordinate European policy to deal with the crisis in the Gaza Strip in cooperation with the international community and particularly with the UN Sec. Gen says the French Foreign Ministry's announcement.. "Delivery of humanitarian aid is of top priority" said PASOK calling the EU to take initiatives for immediate cease-fire while the GCP gen. secr. Aleka Papariga called on for clear stands and solidarity to the Palestinian people after her meeting with the head of the Palestinian Diplomatic Representation in Athens. Dora Bakoyianni will meet today with SYRIZA parliamentary group to brief it on the situation in Gaza Strip. During the Night Israeli strikes during the night killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded 40 people. Buildings housing Hamaz activities and a society linked with Fatah organization were the targets of the night raids. On the part of Israel , 5 people, among them a woman hit by a Palestinian rocket, have been killed since the start of military operations on Saturday. Eight students attending UN programs were killed in Israeli raids sparking strong protest to Israeli Defense Minister by the head of the UN department (UNRWA) for aid to Palestinian refugees. Rammed Vessel According to reports an Israeli Navy speed boat rammed a vessel of the pro-Arab movement "Free Gaza" off the Gaza coast. The boat set off from Cyprus yesterday carrying humanitarian aid, doctors and medicine to the Gaza Strip. Passengers of "Dignity" boat are missing as no one has answered their cell phones.In their website, the Free Movement organization says that the Israeli Navy demanded thew vessel to return to Cyprus although it had run out of fuel. In their wire contact, the captain of the Israeli boat told the captain of "Dignity" that he was involved in terrorist activities. According to "Free Gaza", movement announcement on board Dignity ship are : Denis Healey, captain from UK, George Klontzas, assistant captain from Greece, Nikolas Bolos officer from Greece, Othman Abu Falah, from Jordan, Renee Bowyer, from Australia, Caoimhe Butterly, Ireland, Aikaterini Hristodoulou journalist Cyprus , Sami El-Haj, Sudan, journalist Al Jajeera former prisoner at Guandanamo, Dr. David Halpin, UK, surgeon, Dr. Mohamed Issa, German, Fathi Jaouadi, Tynisia, UK citizen, tv producer, Cynthia McKinney, former US Congress member, Martha Paisi, from Cyprus, Karl Penhaul, UK, CNN correspondent, Thaer Shaker, from Iraq, movie director Al Zazeera and Eleni Theoharus, surgeon and deputy, head of the delegation Relevant Article: Gaza Pounding Continues News item: 17240 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |