The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-05-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK MP Verelis Resigns over MAN Case

"None of this affects me; nothing frightens me"

In referring to the recently emerged MAN furor involving alleged bribes by the German heavy vehicle-maker in order to ostensibly win international tenders, Verelis stated:

"We still do not know what has occurred. There is still not one piece of evidence that is known" (...)

"Scandals burden this country. Politics today not onlyt does not inspire Greeks, but the atmosphere around it constitutes an alibi for the cynicism in which our country is trapped" (...)

"I resign from Parliament and I submit my resignation first to Aitolokarnania people that elects me and trusts me saying that I do not leave but I stay to change together all those things that we do not like. I am not part of the school that says that someone should never resign. I do not leave out of weakness I leave on my will."

"I hope there is a quick answer to everything from the progress in the investigation in Germany, and that the Greek justice system mobilises, independently and disobedient of orders and politically motivated designs ... None of this affects me; nothing frightens me, his statement read."

In accepting the resignation, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas commented: "We hope his decision is the right one; he respect his decision and hope Mr. Verelis will soon return here with us."

News item: 22044

[02] Parliament Debate on Young Adults' Rights

The general secretary of the GCP asked for the support of unemployed young adults and exercised criticism on loans that banks grant to young farmers and mid-sized businesses excluding the poorer ones.

News item: 22040

[03] Changes in HSAP Services

Bus service "010" will serve Omonoia, Petralona and Tavros stations. Bus line "011-express" will also serve Omonoia, Petralona and Tavros stations while bus line "X4" will cover all stations from Tavros- Nea Ionia.

Source: ÁNA-ĚPA

News item: 22039

[04] US Investigation on Afghan Civilian Slaughter

US mass media revealed that an investigation whose results are expected on Friday, shows that US raids killed many Afghan villagers at the beginning of this week.New York Times and CNN says that the investigation shows that US raids on Monday in the Farah province killed many civilians. Afghan police said that over 100 people were killed- among them 70 civilians children and aged people-. A spokesman for US troops in Afghanistan did not confirm the deaths and underlined that US army are always sorry for civilian losses.

According to US military spokesman, Taliban insurgents used the houses of villagers to protect themselves from US and alliance forces. Losses of civilian lives is a possibility when we launch operations against guerillas, he said. We are here to protect civilians and we do it seriously, the last thing we want is killing or wounding innocent civilians, he underlined. The deaths drew hundreds of Afghans into the streets to protest outside police stations and the governor's office in Farah Province, where two villages were bombed after Afghan forces were ambushed by Taliban insurgents on Monday night. Clashes broke out on Monday between guerillas and Afghan troops who called for US troops help. The International Red Cross said that all houses were destroyed in the area.

News item: 22031

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