The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wildfires in Gargalianous and Almyros

Two wildfires are ravaging the areas of Almyros, central Greece, and Gargalianous, southern Greece. Another one is burning in Solomos, in Corinth. The blaze that broke out near the town of Ierapetra, Crete, has been contained. A children camp was evacuated for precautionary reasons. The fire in Davlia, Viotia, has also been brought under control.

Both ground and air forces are battling the wildfires in the areas of Almyros and Gargalianous.

In the meantime, the fire in the Selekano woods near the town of Ierapetra has reduced to ashes about 2,000 square metres of forest land. Firefighters are still in the area, since the risk of rekindling is extremely high.

Source: NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

News item: 25177

[02] No ISAP Services from N. Ionia to Eirini

Source: NET, NET 105.8

News item: 25175

[03] Wrangling over H1N1 Virus

While the H1N1 virus is rapidly spreading worldwide, the World Health Organization has noted that the vaccine production will shield world population. In Greece, experts have underlined that the flu's symptoms are mild and rest everyone assured that Greece will get the vaccine when it is proved absolutely safe. In the meantime, the measures against the H1N1 virus spread have triggered an acrimonious wrangling between the government and PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement), with Socialist leader George Papandreou accusing the Prime Minister of lacking planning and the latter blasting Papandreou for party expediencies.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis slammed the George Papandreou for intending to exploit the matter and adopting extreme scenarios.He then rest everyone assured that there is a national action plan that will be adjusted to the developments and be okayed by the bipartisan committee in the coming week.

George Papandreou had earlier suggested the setting up of a bipartisan committee and accused the government of slow response and weaknesses.

âInstead of exchanging letters and insulting one another, the two leaders had better enter a dialogue, where all political leaders can submit their opinions on how the flu crisis should be addressed,â commented LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally).

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPAOlder news items: News item: 25173

[04] Green Perimeter: Only 45 Models Meet Gas Emissions Standards

News item: 25171

[05] Zelaya Briefly Returns

Last Updated on Saturday, 25 July 2009 12:54

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya breached the border dividing Nicaragua and Honduras for a few minutes and then stepped back in Nicaragua, since the presence of army and police forces deployed there did not allow him to take more initiatives. Escorted by the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Zelaya yet again blasted the de facto ruler Roberto Micheletti.

Venezuela's television aired footage of Zelaya's brief return to Honduras. The coup was not necessary, Zelaya told reporters. He also requested Honduras' de facto government, which has ordered his being arrested for treason and corruption, allow his friends and relatives to cross the border to talk to him.The international community, with the exemption of Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba, distanced themselves from his initiatives.

The USA condemned the coup in Honduras, yet it advised Zelaya not to return to his country before the crisis is resolved.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton branded Zelaya's attempt to return to his homeland as reckless and urged both sides to solve the problem peacefully.âWe have consistently urged all parties to avoid any provocative action that could lead to violence. President Zelaya's effort to reach the border is reckless,â Ms Clinton said.

News item: 25170

[06] Rainfalls Kill 5 in Japan

Last Updated on Saturday, 25 July 2009 11:18

At least five people died and three were reported missing after a new spell of torrential rain caused floods and landslides in Japan overnight, police said Saturday. The deaths come after a series of landslides and floods earlier this week killed 15 people.

Torrential rain hit Japan's southern main island of Kyushu on Friday, causing mudslides and floods that killed four people.

A 73-year-old man was found dead after a mudslide struck his home late Friday in Fukuoka prefecture, located in Kyushu, a police official said.

And a 54-year-old woman was found dead after her car was swept into an irrigation channel, while a 60-year-old man died after falling in a street ditch, Fukuoka police said.

News item: 25169

[07] Blistering Heat across Greece

Blistering heat has settled over Greece, with mercury soaring to up to 43 degrees Celsius in certain regions. State authorities are on standby, with municipalities offering air-conditioned places and advising people to be extra cautious. Temperatures will start falling as of Sunday. In an attempt to find relief from the heat, the residents of urban centres are packing the nearby beaches, with the luckiest one embarking on their summer holidays.

In the meantime, the Fire Service is on alert, because the scorching hot temperatures have raised the fire alert.

The wildfire in Ierapetra, Crete, has been contained. So is the case with the fire in Davlia, central Greece.

News item: 25168

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