The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-09-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Thessaloniki Getting Ready to Host TIF

With the Thessaloniki International Fair being only a few hours away, Thessaloniki has been turned into the theatre of all political developments, hosting the Prime Minister and the rest political leaders.

For that reason, as many as 2,500 policemen have been deployed in the northern Greek city, while there will be a traffic ban on the roads around the venue to be hosting the Fair.

âI'm certain that the trade unions be mature enough and hold decent protests. I have no doubts about that. However, there will be some who will try to mar the Fair. Therefore, the Greek Police should step up measures,â commented Deputy Interior Minister Christos Markogiannakis.

On Saturday, and while Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will be delivering his customary speech under tight security, street protests will be underway.

News item: 26405

[02] Christoforakos' Extradition Suspended Indefinitely

Former Siemens Hellas CEO Mihalis Christoforakos' extradition to Greece was suspended indefinitely. The German court accepted the appeal of Christoforakos' attorneys against their client's extradition. Greek Supreme Court Prosecutor Ioannis Tentes has already informed the Greek Justice Minister Nikos Dendias over the above development.

The conservative administration of New Democracy succeeded in covering up the Siemens case, stressed PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) spokesman Dinos Rovlias, who noted that there are political responsibilities and that the Greek people demands to learn the truth.

Source: NET, NET 105.8Older news items: News item: 26400

[03] Seeking Solutions to Pending Issues

Last Updated on Friday, 04 September 2009 16:56

The bi-ministerial committee chaired Friday by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis went through the last details on the Greek economy in view of the Prime Minister's speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The Financial Ministry is seeking solutions to pending issues relating to auctions, car-scrapping, VAT and probably to the people working at the Olympic Airlines.

Exiting the meeting, Finance Minister Giannis Papathanasiou said they touched on how the government will proceed with changes and reforms.

News item: 26398

[04] Michael Jackson Laid to Rest after 70 Days

Family and friends, including Elizabeth Tailor and Macaulay Culkin, bade farewell to Michael Jackson, as they laid him to rest in a private ceremony. The king of pop was buried in a crypt worthy of a king at the star-studded Forest Lawn Glendale cemetery.

His burial took place some 70 days after his death, which was put down to homicide. Elizabeth Tailor, 77, was among the 200 guests, who waited for half an hour in the heat for the ceremony to start. The singer's former wife, Liza Marie Presley was also there. Macaulay Culkin also paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Culkin keeps denying claims whereby he is the biological father of Jackson's youngest child.

Jackson's children, Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket, parents Joe and Katherine, sisters Janet, La Toya and Rebbie Jackson and his five brothers were eventually all in attendance, with the kids taking seats in the front row, facing a portrait of their father.

News item: 26391

[05] Scores Killed in Afghanistan Explosion

At least 90 people have been killed after a NATO air strike blew up fuel tankers hijacked by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan, local officials say. A NATO spokesman confirmed that the incident happened in Kunduz province. Police said that the strike targeted the Taliban who were trying to steal fuel.

The governor of Kunduz province said that Taliban fighters had stolen a NATO fuel tanker on Thursday night, which then got stuck near a river. The Taliban decided to empty the tankers and local people arrived to take some of the fuel, he said. At this point, a NATO air strike hit the tanker causing a huge explosion.

The governor of Kunduz said that senior Taliban commanders were killed in the huge blast. Witnesses said villagers also died.

Sources: Reuters, ÁNA-ÌPA BBC: 'Scores die' in Afghan explosion

Older news items: News item: 26377

[06] Building in Omonoia Caught Fire

After 4- hour battle against flames firefighters managed to put out a fire which broke out in an empty building in the center of Athens. Fortunately the fire did not extend to nearby buildings while 3 people, who had sought shelter in it, were rescued.

The fire broke out in a three storey building near Omonoia square at the early hours ( 05:05) on Friday.

The fire rapidly extended to the whole building where immigrants and homeless had sought shelter. Thirty firefighters and 10 fire brigades sped to the site. Three people rescued with slight burns were transferred to hospital for treatment.

The fire was brought under control at 08:45 while police cordoned off nearby streets for security reasons. Two firefighters, who suffered respiratory problems were transferred to hospital. The Fire Department is conducting investigations on the cause of the fire.

News item: 26376

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