The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-11-02

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parcel Bombs Target Embassies in Athens

Antiterrorist squad, embassies and courier companies have been placed on the alert following parcel bomb delivery to embassies in Athens. At noon, a small bomb exploded at the Swiss embassy in the central district of Kolonaki. Shortly after a suspect parcel- targeted to Chilean embassy- was detonated at the parliament's guard post which has high technology detection equipment. Traffic was suspended outside the Parliament. Another parcel bomb was detonated at "Geniki Tahidromiki" courier company in Pagrati. Also parcel bombs were detonated at Bulgaria and Russia embassies while one bound to German embassy was found by police. Police cordoned off the area around Panama embassy, in Piraeus where a suspect parcel was also detected at noon.

Speaker of the Parliament Condemns Attacks

The Speaker of the House Filippos Petsalnikos has condemned the terrorist attacks underlining "these despicable actions can threaten neither deputies nor the Parliament".

Mr. Petsalnikos told reporters that two suspect parcels were delivered to the Parliament. One arrived at the 10:30 from an aide of former prime-minister Kostas Simitis and was sent to his office by a woman from Evros. Screening equipment showed that it contained an effigy bomb with batteries and wires but had not gunpowder.

The second parcel arrived at 12:55 sent by LARKO and recipient the Chilean embassy which refused to receive it, considering it suspect. The courier showed it to Maximos Building security and from there was sent to Parliament where relevant inspection indicated that it contained explosives and detonated it.

Political Parties' Reactions

In his statements government spokesman George Petalotis stressed that some resort to conspiracy theories. The government, however, only condemns these actions and leaves the Police to do their job.

The Foreign Ministry said that all foreign diplomatic delegations were advised to take measures after the incident in Halandri and this is why there were no further problems after the incident at the Swiss embassy.

Opposition political parties commented on the wave of parcel bomb attacks.

The GCP stresses that terrorism scene few days prior to elections raises many questions. It calls people to be reserved and skeptical about whom these provocative actions serve.

LAOS president George Karatzaferis said: "Beyond any doubt some intervene with the terrorists to destabilize the country's efforts. Attention, attention, attention".

SYN press office underlines: " the wave of explosive devices aims to disorient and threaten society a few days before elections. The sick minds behind these planning will not achieve their targets".

Democratic Left announcement underlines the need for political parties to unite their forces to combat terrorism. "The vicious circle of blood and violence must close. The country plunged into social and financial crisis, hit by poverty and unemployment can not bear new blows by so called popular fighters".

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA/ÌPA

Related News: Bomb Explosion at Swiss Embassy- Suspects to Face Prosecutor

News item: 45337

[02] Bomb Explosion at Swiss Embassy

A minor bomb explosion occured at the Swiss embassy in Kolonaki, central Athens. No injuries have been reported while it caused small damage to near buildings. Reports say that the explosive device was thrown into the yard of the building. Police officers are in the area while bomb experts are searching the broader area. In the meantime, bomb experts are at the Bulgarian embassy after a call for delivery of suspect parcel.

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 45323

[03] "Suspects to Face Prosecutor"

Ballistic tests have shown that the guns, in the possession of the two suspects arrested after a letter bomb explosion on Monday, have not been used in any of the Revolutionary Sect attacks. Investigations will continue to see whether the guns have been used in any other criminal acts. Results of DNA tests are also expected soon. Police, however, say that the mechanism of the letter bombs is different from the one in the letter bomb that killed the guard of the Minister for Citizens' Protection in summer.

To Face Prosecutor

The two men, aged 22 and 24, suspects for the letter bomb delivery will face public prosecutor on Tuesday afternoon. They, however, have been refusing to tell their names and having their fingerprints taken.

The parcel bombs were addressed to Nikola Sarkozy and the embassies of Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico.

Police Released their Pictures

Police released the pictures of the two young men arrested and ask people, who recognize them, to call 1014, 1964 and 170.

In the meantime, there is a pending arrest warrant for the 22 year old man for his involvement in the "Fire Cell Conspiracy" organization.

Police say that 22yo man is the one who produced the parcel bombs and carried it to the office of the courier company.

The 24yo man keeps a completely negative stand and claims he is a political prisoner.

SOURCES: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 45171

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article