The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Caucasus Crisis Continues

28 Αυγ 2008 09:23:00

Sources: NET, ANA, AFP

With its mind set on energy matters, since US energy giants ExxonMobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips conduct business in the region, the USA announced Vice President Dick Cheneys forthcoming visit to Georgia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. The USA wants Ukraine in the Alliance, a move that if it comes true it will seriously vex Russia. In the meantime, Moscow heralded the build-up of its fleet in the Mediterranean, using the ports of Syria and other friendly nations, reacting to the presence of US warships in the Black Sea with the pretext of humanitarian aid.

Shevardnadze Lashed Out

Former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze lashed out at Russia in his interview with Japanese paper The Asahi Shimbun . Shevardnadze said they would regret that for the rest of their lives, as it would lead to talks on the independence of Chechen and Dagestan, two Russian Federation democracies rocked by separatist rebellions. "In my era I built good relations with both Russia and the US, but this balance has crumbled," he said. He further added that Georgia has "virtually lost its territorial rights and the economic damage (from the conflict) is huge," particularly as Russian forces were still in the Black Sea port of Poti.

The former Foreign Minister of Mikhail Gorbachevs Soviet Union and former Georgian President suggested that the 2014 Winter Olympics, to be held on the Black Sea resort of Sochi, should be boycotted.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Moscow Urged to Reverse Decision

[02] Obama Wins Nomination

Sources: REUTERS

To shouts of "Yes we can," Democrats nominated Barack Obama on Wednesday as their presidential candidate in a historic first for a black American, backed by his ex-rivals Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Obama made his first appearance at the Democratic National Convention, stepping out on stage after his vice presidential running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, attacked Republican John McCain as he accepted the nomination as No. 2 on the ticket.

"I think the convention has gone pretty well so far. What do you think?" Obama said to cheering delegates after hugging Biden and his wife Jill on stage.

Clinton Offers His Backing

Former President Bill Clinton, who has been slow to warm to Obama after his wife lost a bruising primary battle, worked to encourage party unity by giving Obama an unwavering seal of approval in a speech to a packed convention hall. Delegates cheered Clintons appearance for so long that he asked them to sit down.

"My fellow Democrats, I say to you: Barack Obama is ready to lead America and to restore American leadership in the world," the former president told flag-waving delegates who interrupted him repeatedly with roars of approval. "Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States," he said.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC- Bill Clinton hails Barack Obama

[03] Karadzic at UN Tribunal on Friday

Sources: ANA-MPA

Charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic will be brought to the UN war tribunal for former Yugoslavia for a second time on Friday to enter a plea

Karadzic, 63, was arrested in Belgrade last month, after being on the run for over a decade. In case he denies the counts, as he did in the first hearing, the court will assume he enters a not guilty plea.

From the very first moment he was seized, Radovan Karadzic has made it plain that he will represent himself, demanding former U.S. peace mediator Richard Holbrooke and ex-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appear at the tribunal. He has also questioned the legality of the case against him.

Karadzic faces 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including two charges for genocide committed during the 1995 siege of Sarajevo and Srebrenica, where as many as 8,000 Muslims were massacred.

In the first hearing, Karadzic claimed that he had reached a secret deal with Richard Holbrooke, whereby he would not be prosecuted provided that he disappeared after war. Holbrooke, on the other hand, denied ever coming to such an agreement with the former Bosnian Serb leader.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Sea Tragedy in Malta

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, REUTERS

The cases of African migrants who perish in the sea in their effort to reach Europe seem to have turned into an everyday routine. Eight migrants were recovered by a Maltese fishing boat after a large rubber dinghy taking them to Europe capsized. However, as many as 79 people also aboard the vessel, including eight women and a child, are feared missing.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Police Bus Attacked

28 Αυγ 2008 08:04:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP, Reuters

At least 13 people were killed and another 12 were reported injured when a car bomb blew up a police bus in the northwest Pakistani city of Bannu, near the border with Afghanistan. Nine of the victims were police officers, said PTV state-run television.

Translated by Areti Christou

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