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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-15

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

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] High Winds Cause Serious Problems
  • [02] Appeal Judge Appointed for Justices
  • [03] Desperate for Sushi!
  • [04] Next Day Uncertain in the Lebanon
  • [05] TEE Deadline Set
  • [06] Mine Explosion in China Leaves Many Dead
  • [07] Attacks Against St Valentine
  • [08] Increase in Taxi Fares
  • [09] Malesani Hide-and-Seek Continues
  • [10] A Barking Bridesmaid
  • [11] Changes on the Chrysanthemum Throne
  • [12] Sumatra Rocked
  • [13] China: 6.2 Richter Quake

  • [01] Ships remain in port High Winds Cause Serious Problems

    15 Feb 2005 09:06:00

    By Anna Kourti

    The MET office forecasts a worsening of the weather from today, with gale force winds and driving rain in Epirus, the Ionian, western Sterea Ellada and the western Peloponnese, with south winds reaching as high as 11 on the Beaufort scale. Owing to the gale force winds, ships are tied to port in Piraeus and Rafina for the Aegean islands, Crete and the Dodecanese. Two ships ran aground on Tuesday morning, off Chios and Piraeus, owing to the rough sea. At Zea Marina, high waves broke a port barrier endangering about 30 pleasure craft tied in the port. This morning, a woman was taken to hospital with injuries from Michail Melas Street when a branch of a tree, broken off by the high winds, fell on her. Owing to the high winds, large areas of Greece have problems with the electricity supply, with trees and other objects falling on the network and cables.

    Powercuts

    The Fire Brigade has so far received 250 calls evening, to come and cut down trees and remove objects, with the problems caused by the high winds in Attica. Επίσης,

    The bad weather has been causing serious problems to the electricity supply since this morning. The greatest problems have arisen in the Municipalities of Vari, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Ilioupoli, Argiroupoli, Psichiko, Spata, Kifissia, Nea Ionia, Neo Iraklio, Egaleo and Kalamos. 10,000 of a total of 2,500,000 Attica households are thought to be facing a powercut.

    There are problems in Thiva, Leivadia, Halkida, Aliveri, Karysto and Oinofyta, while during the night there was a powercut in Nisiro and Tilo. DEI teams are working feverishly to repair the damage, in cooperation with the Fire Brigade, who are working at cutting away branches that have fallen on cables.

    The high winds have caused serious problems for take-off and landing at Eleftherios Venizelos airport.

    Since this morning, flights have been cancelled towards Mytilini, Chania, Naxos, Paros and Thessaloniki, while two Olympic Airlines planes coming from Thessaloniki and Tel Aviv were unable to land in Spata.

    130 passengers on Olympic Airways flight 901 from Thessaloniki to Athens were forced to return to Thessaloniki, and the aeroplane is expected to depart later this morning.

    The airport and port of Corfu are closed owing to the adverse weather conditions, while many radio and television stations on the island are not operational, owing to a power-cut at Pantokrator broadcasting station.

    In Chios, there were heavy rainfall and high winds during the night, causing landslides on the road and in the area of Kampos Vourlioton.

    A hundred metres from the southeastern shores of Chios, a ship flying under the flag of St Vincent ran aground in the early hours of this morning. On the Ellada, there were 18 foreign sailors, who had set out from Morroco and were bound for Turkey. The captain has not asked the Ministry of Mercantile Marine for Assistance, as he stated that he will have no difficulty, and is waiting for a tow-boat.

    Snowfall in the Mountains

    Over the next three days there will be snow in mountainous areas of the mainland, as well as in western Macedonia and Epirus at a low altitude.

    Cars on the Ioannina-Trikala motorway are obliged to use snow-chains.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [02] Tsevi explains relations with Giosakis Appeal Judge Appointed for Justices

    15 Feb 2005 10:49:00

    By Athina Saloustrou

    The Athens Court of Appeal convenes in plenary session today in order to appoint an appeal judge who will undertake the interrogation work in the cases of the justices. In the meantime, First Instance Justice Panagiota Tsevi is today called before Inspector Christos Baltas to give explanations for her relations with archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, while witness testifying has already started for the case of First Instance Justice Antonia Ilia. Besides this, Deputy High Court Public Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas has requested access to the bank accounts belonging to First Instance Chairman Evangelos Kalousis, who is facing indictment for procuring, while allegations implicate him in blackmail and bribery cases.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [03] Desperate for Sushi!

    15 Feb 2005 10:43:00

    By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

    It could have turned into a tragic hostage taking case with the customers and staff of an entire restaurant, with terrible consequences, if were not simply the case of a desperate Japanese man who just wanted to eat. A frantic Japanese man burst into a restaurant and threatened to kill himself on the spot if the restaurant employees did not serve him one of the most expensive sushi meals. It all started when a 68-year-old unemployed man set fire to his flat in western Osaka, and then burst into a neighbouring restaurant, demanding something to eat. This action, however illogical it might seem, is not totally irrational, as the man was desperate, since the state had stopped paying him benefits, leaving with no money for food.

    He Ate Bananas While Waiting

    The police were quick to arrive on the scene, and after about an hour managed to immobilize the man. During his time at the restaurant, the 68-year-old man demanded to eat sushi, calming his hunger with bananas, while he drank alcoholic drinks non-stop and consumed supplements. In any case, we dont know if is his demand was ultimately fulfilled, as the police refused to answer as to whether or not he has served sushi.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [04] Hariri's funeral tomorrow Next Day Uncertain in the Lebanon

    15 Feb 2005 09:43:00

    By Athina Saloustrou

    The army of the Lebanon is on high alert following the murderous attack against former Prime Minister Rafik, while the government has declared three days of mourning. The Press in Beirut predicts that the country will be plunged into a period of uncertainty and instability, a concern which is shared by other Arab Media. From the first moment, many people searched for the cause of the incident in the strained relations of the Lebanon with Syria. "The aim of the attack was to terrify citizens who are perhaps thinking of supporting the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the Lebanon," states the Times. Besides this, the Opposition calls on the people to hold a three-day strike and lays the blame on the government and on Syria, who is called upon to withdraw troops from the Lebanon before the May elections. In the meantime, the police announced that they searched the house of a Palestinian Islamic extremist, who appeared in a video claiming responsibility for the bomb attack, broadcast by Al Jazeera, however many people are calling this a smoke screen, hiding dark motives. The leaders of Syria rushed to condemn the attack, angrily denying the allegations that Damascus was behind the attack, which cost the lives of 14 people, while they agree with French President Jacques Chirac, who called for an immediate international investigation to locate the perpetrators. The international community condemned the attack, while the US speak of a bestial murder and the "Syrian occupation of the Lebanon." Hariri resigned from the presidency in October, while recently he joined the Opposition in calling for a withdrawal of Syrian troops.

    Concern in Lebanese Press

    Several Beirut newspapers today consider that the murder of former PM Rafik Hariri will plunge the country into a period of uncertainty and instability.

    "Hariri is dead and the Lebanon is plunged into chaos," reports As Shahir newspaper. "With one strike and just one explosion, the Lebanon has lost its leader. It appears as a leaderless country, open to all the winds, and the hope of finding its place and role in the Middle East is disappearing," the newspaper adds.

    "They wanted to crush hope," is the headline of French-speaking newspaper Orient Le Soir, which notes that the Lebanon was counting on Hariri to assist in the development of the country, granted that the deceased was a billionaire and considered the father of the post-war economic miracle in the Lebanon.

    On the front page, the newspaper prints a call from the leader of the Opposition to the people of the Lebanon, to face the "regime of murderers."

    For An Nahar, mouthpiece of the Opposition, "hell reigns once again in Beirut." The newspaper calls for "international protection" and calls on the people of the Lebanon to "turn Hariris sacrifice into a new resurrection, using the free elections in the Spring to hound the government from power."

    French-language Daily Star warns that the Lebanon is once again on the painful brink of civil war, and Al Mustakbal, owned by Hariri states that the former PM "was martyred for the Lebanon," and on its front page prints the Oppositions allegations that Syria and the regime of the Lebanon are behind the murder.

    Looking Towards Security Council

    Last night, the Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hamoud briefed the ambassadors of the member-states of the UN Security Council on the importance attached by his country to "its stability" following the murder of the former PM Rafik Hariri.

    "We informed them that the Lebanon places great importance on keeping its stability, and if the Security Council should convene, it should underline its commitment to the sovereignty, independence and unity of the Lebanon, as well as its stability, which also contributes to the stability of the wider region," stressed Hamoud to reporters.

    "Any strike at these principles would have negative consequences on the stability of the region," stressed the Lebanese minister.

    He also underlined that the Lebanon gives great weight to the decisions taken by the UN, noting especially that the Lebanon expects a statement from the presidency of the Security Council within the next few days, following a request by the US, seconded by France.

    The Minister explained that the Lebanon judges that "the criminal blow" that cost Hariri his life aimed to "destabilize the Lebanon and upset its security."

    Israel on Alert

    In the meantime, Israel is also in a state of alert following yesterdays attack. As a high-ranking Israeli stated, "the attack on Monday in Beirut, that cost the life of former prime minister Rafik Hariri has forced Israel into high alert on its northern borders."

    "We must remain alert as this murder creates a risk of instability in the Lebanon, which anti-Israeli elements are likely to take advantage of," stated the officer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We cannot rule out an escalation of violence on the borders with the Lebanon," he underlined.

    The Israeli officer also stated that the Syrian regime is the prime suspect for the murder of Hariri, "who is connected with secret services, which have long experience of this kind of operations or with terrorist groups that in one way or another are connected to Damascus." Yesterday the Israeli Foreign Minister alleged that Syria was responsible for the attack.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    Related News:

    Former Lebanese PM Killed

    [05] TEE Deadline Set

    15 Feb 2005 11:20:00

    By Tina Valaoura

    An ASEP competition has been announced regarding the filling of 1658 places in TEE for teachers in secondary education. The specialist areas needed mainly regard IT graduates (629 positions), TEI IT graduates (419 positions), TEI mechanical engineers (72 positions) TEI engineering graduates (183 positions) and so on, while according to ASEP estimations, in excess of 20,000 applications are expected to be made. Interested parties should realize that the deadline to submit applications to participate in the competition is 15 March, and applications can only be submitted to ASEP by post, with recorded delivery, to the address: ASEP Competition 1P/05, PO Box 14304, TK 11510 Athens.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [06] Mine Explosion in China Leaves Many Dead

    15 Feb 2005 07:42:00

    By Anna Kourti

    A methane explosion in a coalmine occurred in Liaoping Province in northeastern China. At least 203 people have lost their lives and a further 22 have been injured, while 13 workers remain trapped. The rescue operation started immediately after the incident on Monday afternoon, while an investigation is underway to find out the cause of the accident. The local authorities immediately rushed to the scene of the explosion, as soon as it was announced. Accidents in Chinas coalmines occur frequently, owing to inadequate safety measures.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [07] Islamic organisations had warned Attacks Against St Valentine

    15 Feb 2005 08:46:00

    By Anna Kourti

    Four bombs exploded during a St Valentines Day celebration in Dhaka, injuring 16 people. Muslim extremists in Bangladesh placed bombs in student accommodation at the University of Dhaka whilst hundreds of students were watching a celebration on the occasion of the "Christian" festival of love. The explosions caused panic amongst the crowd who had gathered for the celebration. Islamic organisations in Bangladesh had warned that they would launch attacks on those who celebrated St Valentines Day. Three people were injured on Monday in another bomb explosion, set off by Islamic extremists at a book exhibition on the university campus, where St Valentines Day events were due to be held.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [08] Increase in Taxi Fares

    15 Feb 2005 11:12:00

    By Tina Valaoura

    Taxi fare increases premiere today. Those among you taking taxis should know that as of today you will be paying 8.3% more, as the minimum fare has increased from 75 to 85 cents, the single tariff has increased from 28 to 30 cents, while the double tariff from 53 to 56 cents. The minimum fare is established at 1.75 euros, rather than 1.60, which applied until today. However, taxi drivers who had asked for a 10% increase are not content with the decisions of the Economy Ministry and do not exclude the eventuality of going on strike. It should be noted that they have asked for the minimum fare to be at one euro, the minimum journey at two euros for Attica and at 2.2 euros for regional Greece.

    Translated by Sofia Soulioti

    [09] Malesani Hide-and-Seek Continues

    15 Feb 2005 11:41:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: ANA, Goal News

    Panathinaikos has learnt its lesson, and following the negative turn in the Trond Sollied case, the club has decided that until Alberto Malesani comes to sign, it will not publicise any details of the agreement, either from the club or the coach. The Italian, who was expected in Athens on Monday was finally unable to come as personal reasons kept him in his home country. His arrival was put off for today, and it seems as though Panathinaikos new coach (lets not say too much until there has been an official announcement) will go straight from the airport to the Clubs offices in Marousi in order to sign a contract for 6 months + one year with the green team. Speaking on ERA Sport yesterday, having been well-primed by the Clubs administrators, he declared that he was unaware of Panathinaikos interest.

    Sousa: "Ideal Case"

    Shortly afterwards however, speaking to reporters from his own country, the Italian coach admitted to having come to an agreement with Panathinaikos.

    If all goes well, then on Wednesday Malesani will see his team for the first time, playing in the green teams match against Seville for the UEFA Cup.

    As for Malesanis record, speaking to newspaper Goal News, former Panathinaikos player Paulo Sousa, who has worked with him in Parma, described Panathinaikos new coach as ideal.

    "He is one of the best and most creative coaches to have worked in Italy in recent years. His work speaks for itself," stresses the Portuguese footballer, stressing that his philosophy is clearly based on offence.

    "He used to ask us to have an aggressive spirit, and it came out on the pitch. In any case, he is a very intelligent man and in Panathinaikos I dont think that hell get stuck into some system from the start. The first thing he wants to do is to evaluate the players he has at his disposal and then to make his system conform to the needs of the team," stated Sousa.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [10] A Barking Bridesmaid A Barking Bridesmaid

    15 Feb 2005 00:12:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Are you planning to marry your other half and are worried about the small details? If you have already found a priest and a best man but you are in search of a bridesmaid, a bride-to-be from Great Britain will you give you the most break-through idea possible. Sonia Wilde will soon walk down the aisle with her puppy as her bridesmaid! According to Lucy the cute puppy is her best friend and did not want no one else at her side in her lifes most important day. As Ms Wilde stated the priest was shocked when he heard her decision to dress her puppy as a bridesmaid, saying that it was the craziest thing he had ever heard in the 26 years he has been performing marriage ceremonies. The priest overcame the initial shock and now the bride to be is searching for the right dress for her puppy.

    We wish her a happy married life and many children!

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [11] Changes on the Chrysanthemum Throne

    15 Feb 2005 12:24:00

    By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

    Over the last month a group of scientists chosen by the Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi have undertaken the task of looking into the possibility of changing legislation in favour of female accession to the throne. The matter came up because the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Naruhito only has one daughter, Princess Aiko, and the applied legislation which dates back to 1948 forbids a woman to ascend the throne. An opinion poll conducted on the matter by a Japanese financial newspaper showed that the overwhelming majority (80%) is in favour of such a legislative change, while only 6% felt otherwise. It should be noted that the Japanese Empire is the oldest monarchy in the world, while no male heir has been born over the past 40 years.

    As a consequence, the Chrysanthemum Throne is in danger of remaining "orphan" if legislation does not change.

    The ten-member group, looking into the possibility of changing legislation, is expected to submit its report to the Prime Minister by the end of the year, while discussion on the matter will commence in 2006.

    The last time a woman became empress of Japan was in the 18th century, when Go-Sacuramachi reigned from 1762 until 1771.

    It is worth noting that the Japanese public opinion accuses the heir's wife, Princess Masako, because she hasn't had a male child yet.

    Translated by Sofia Soulioti

    [12] Frequent phenomenon Sumatra Rocked

    15 Feb 2005 08:07:00

    By Anna Kourti

    An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale rocked the Indonesian island of Sumatra, without taking any victims. The quake occurred at 01:49 Greek time and its epicentre was 214 km into the Indian Ocean, west of Padang, the provincial capital of Western Sumatra. According to the Hong Kong Geological Institute, the quake was of a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are a frequent occurrence in the Indonesian archipelago.

    Translated by Millie Williams

    [13] China: 6.2 Richter Quake

    15 Feb 2005 07:33:00

    By Anna Kourti

    A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale occurred this morning in an isolated and sparsely populated mountainous area of Xinxiang Province in northwestern China. So far there has been no information regarding either victims or probable damage. The epicentre of the earthquake, which occurred at 01:38 Greek time, is at Yu-xhi, 40km northwest of the city of Axhu, according to the National Office of Seismology.

    Translated by Millie Williams


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