The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-08-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bloodshed in Ingushetia

Last Updated on Monday, 17 August 2009 18:53

At least 20 people have been killed and 118 injured among them 9 children by a suicide attack at a police station in Nazran, in Russia's southern republic of Ingushetia. The suicide bomber was reported to have rammed his vehicle into the gates of the police compound as officers were reporting for inspection. Monday's bomb attack was described as the deadliest strike since 2005 attack in northern Caucasus.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered Ingushetia's ( bordering with Chechnya) Interior Minister to take additional security measures.

Shortly after Mr. Medvedev announced that he had sacked Ingushetia's Interior minister, saying that the "act of terror could have been averted". "The police must protect the people and the police must also be able to defend themselves," Mr Medvedev added.

So far no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack but it is blamed on Islamist militants in the region.

News item: 25885

[02] New Metro Stations

A 630 car park capacity has been constructed to facilitate commuters while 10 bus terminals will be transferred there from opposite the Defense Ministry.

Passengers at Holargos station will have the opportunity to see part of the ancient Mesogeion road that came to light during excavations for the construction of underground ventilation.

Agia Paraskevi Metro station is planned to be delivered in spring 2010. In parallel, Metro extensions to Anthoupolis, Haidari, Hellinkon are proceeding and their completion will serve an additional 250.000 passengers.

News item: 25884

[03] Japanese Economy Recovering

Japanese economy has shown signs of recovery returning with growth rate returning to positive territory in the second quarter in 2009. After 12 month recession GNP rose 0.9% compared to previous quarter. Recovery is attributed to upturns in exports, production and consumption. The world second large economy experienced deep recession in the second quarter in 2008 due to drop in exports. Japan GNP had dropped 3.8% in the first quarter in 2009, the largest fall since the end of World War II. Tokyo stock market, however, closed on Monday with 3.10% losses.

News item: 25879

[04] Holidaymakers Gradually Returning

Return of holidaymakers by land, sea or air continues on Monday. Motorists faced problems with long queues at toll stations but particularly at Amfilohis junction where there was a 10km long car queue.

There was also a multiple collision on the Korinthos-Patras motorway, near Xylocastro summer resort, where a coach crashed on two cars and a motorcycle before overturning. The lane of the motorway where the accident occurred closed for two hours and traffic ran on the opposite direction lane.

Sea Transport

Heavy winds 7-8 force banned several speed ferry services from sailing among them Sea Jet and Flying Cat(port of Rafina) and damaged āSuper Jetā ferry en route to Folegandros from Piraeus with 307 passengers aboard. The ferry called at the island of Sifnos and the shipping company has assumed responsibility to promote passengers to their final destinations. Conventional ships return at 100% capacity. Some 45.000 people returned to Piraeus yesterday.

Inspections by Merchant Marine Ministry

Ministry of Merchant Marine, Aegean and Island Policy in its announcement stresses 2.891 inspections have been carried out by port authorities during the period14-15-16/08/2009 within the framework of strict inspections regarding implementation of legislation on sea recreation, including speed boats, installations etc. During inspections 347 violations were confirmed. Inspections will continue aimed to protect human life in the sea and reduce accidents from any form of water activities.

News item: 25876

[05] Private Day-Care Centers Opened

Private day-care centers opened on Monday as scheduled while public ones are expected to start on September, 1. The Panhellenic Society of Private Day Care Centers has issued instructions for protection and prevention from infection with H1N1 virus.

Private day care centers started today according to Health Ministry Operational plan. Speaking to NET state television channel, Health undersecretary Andreas Lykourentzos said that the government is on alert level but schools will start on schedule under the present circumstances.

Instructions circulated by the Panhellenic Society of Private Day Care Centers advise the following:

Use of disposable tissues instead of towels, individual hygiene training from the first day at the day care center, use of plastic toys instead of cloth toys and good ventilation of day care centers.

Scientists do not appeared concerned while parents should be observant but in no way be overwhelmed by panic.

Vaccination centers nationwide will start operating from the end of August. Athens municipality has provided for 27 vaccination centers and 7 flu centers.

Health and Education Ministries' officials are to meet in the next day to decide on the opening date of the new school year which is most likely to be September, 11.

News item: 25865

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