The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-01-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Vehemently Condemns Violence in Gaza

Call for a Ceasefire

Speaking on NET radio station, the Foreign Ministry spokesman described the EU as a credible broker in the Middle East.

He appeared certain that the Czech Republic, which took over the EU Presidency, will take actions, taking advantage of the potential created by the French Presidency with the unanimous decision of the 27 nations. Touching on the role of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is due in the Middle East on Monday, he stressed that he is turning into a really dynamic and prestigious negotiator and diplomat.

Koumoutsakos also voiced his hope that the coordinated messages sent by the international community will convince world leaders to adopt a more positive stance.

Shifting his focus on Greece's role, he argued that priority should be given to a peace process in the region: "What matters the most right now is how quickly results can be yielded and put an end to human losses. The spread of strong emotions and reactions could lead to extreme and cruel stances. As a broker, Greece is acceptable by both sides," said he.

Opposition Parties' Positions

The international community has no negotiators capable of addressing the Middle East row, nor has the Palestinian side a credible broker, Panos Beglitis told NET radio station.

The Greek Communist Party (KKE) called on the people of Greece to condemn the government's stance, which along with the EU it acquitted Israel of the massacre of the Palestinian people pretending to be neutral. "No one should be taken in by the government's solidarity statements and calls for charity. They are meaningless, since it does not condemn the oppression, aggressiveness and blockade the people of Palestine has been suffering for years," read a KKE statement.

"This is not the time for us to pretend to be Pontius Pilate. The Greek government has to undertake initiatives at an international level, with a view to an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left) President Alexis Tsipras claimed.

"It is shame for the history of a people that suffered an holocaust to take part in the creation of another," commented LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally).

News item: 17330

[02] Frida Bioumi Passed Away

Greek journalist Frida Bioumi died Thursday at the age of 70. Active and gifted, she had worked for the most prestigious Athens newspapers and magazines. She had also worked for the radio and television, while she had written eight books.

Born in Athens in 1938, she studied journalism at the Ohio University, the USA, where she launched her career. She returned in Greece in 1973. Apart from her celebrated presence in the Greek Press, Frida Bioumi wrote novels and biographies.

Sources: ANA-MPA

News item: 17329

[03] Greek Tanker Escaped Hijacking

The Emergency Management Crew informed the Defense and Foreign Ministries as well as the international centers to combat piracy. In parallel, the chief of Port Authority was in continuous contact with the chief of the Armed Forces while the EU Military operation "ATALANTA" was also informed. Coordinated actions prevented two Somali pirates attacks to seize the tanker.

News item: 17321

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