The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-03

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Situation in Evros Remains Critical Alarm in Evros

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

Today the Prefecture of Evros remains in a state of emergency, since Evros and Ardas Rivers water level is above the danger limit, endangering riparian areas, while there is a danger of dikes collapsing in the village of Poros. The specialists are investigating the event of performing an artificial overflow in the Evros Delta, in order for the water to channel into the sea. The Ministers of Defense and Macedonia-Thrace will visit the area today. The dike in the village of Lavara collapsed yesterday and flooded 50 houses while 200 were evacuated. In certain parts of the area warehouses and cottages are in danger of flooding. The damage in crops is inestimable. The change in weather conditions is expected to aggravate the situation in the next 24 hours, since according to forecasts snowfall will subside and temperature will rise, which will cause the snow to melt and will result to large quantities of water to flow in the rivers.

Schools Closed in Grevena and Kozani

Due to the bad weather conditions in northern Greece, the schools in Grevena, Kozani and the municipality of Chortiatis, in Thessalonica will be closed. "Our first priority at this time is the protection of the civilians," stated Evros Prefect, Nikos Zabounidis to NET Radio 105.8.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Holy Synod Meeting Continues Chrisostomos Testifies

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The meeting of the Continuous Holy Synod continues today in Petraki Monastery, under the shade of continuous accusations against archpriests, and in an attempt to rescue the Hierarchy from the crisis. Zakinthos Metropolitan Bishop Chrisostomos will testify today, over the case of a villa in Patmos, as will Peristeri Chrisostomos. In the evening the Episcopal Court will review the case of a priest in the southern suburbs accused of pedophilia. The Hierarchy judged Chios Metropolitan Bishops explanations as sufficient, as he stated that he only has one bank account in Greece and is planning to donate the amount to schools in the island. The Holy Synod avoided discussing the case of Didimoticho Metropolitan Bishop Nikiforos who is reportedly involved is sexual scandals, as he did attend to testify.

"I Do Not Feel Guilty"

In the meantime the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Panagiotis Skandalakis yesterday stated Greeces interest over the Jerusalem Patriarchate. In their meeting with Patriarch Eirinaios, the latter stated that he does not feel guilty and that the Patriarchate will not disappoint the Greek people.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] By Parents and Relatives Shocking Sex Trial to Begin

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET- BBC- Le Monde

Sixty-six residents, 27 of which are women, of the town of Angers, France, will stand trial, accused of sexually abusing their children aged 6 months to 14 years. On the whole, it is calculated that at least 45 children were psychologically and physically abused by parents, relatives and family friends, while there are cases of underage children being procured for a few cigarettes or a drink. The indictment bill is 430 pages long while more than 60 lawyers will participate in the trial, which will take place in a specially built hall in Angers. As it is evaluated that the charges enforced may reach 30 years of incarnation. During the process the victims will not attend, only if it is judged as imperative, however their testimonies will be videotaped.

Nightmare Lasted 2.5 Years

The harshness and horror of the case will shock France. The accused reportedly sexually abused their children and procured them, for a packet of cigarettes, a kg of potatoes or a night out.

If the childrens testimony is judged imperative they will ask of the accused to exit the hall, in order for the children to avoid any contact.

Most of the accused are illiterate, live off benefit, and reside in rundown neighborhoods of Angers. In the past the immolators were also victims, also abused by their parents.

The crimes took place from June 1999 to February 2002 in the area of Saint Leonard of Angers and specifically in the apartment of former sex offender Franck Vergondy, and in farms.

The authorities uncovered the crime after monitoring Eric Zoubert, also a former sex offender, who is said to be coordinating the pedophile group with Vergondy.

More than half of the accused have admitted their crimes.

Knew but Kept Silent

"If I had known I would have protected my children. It is really hard for me to live after all this, as I am a mother. But my children were victims."

The mother above will stand trial, accused of knowing but keeping silent and did not reveal the family pedophile group who victimized her two children.

Some of the children will remain silent forever, and some will become extremely violent. There is one child who would like to see his father sent to the chair.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] For Participation in A Conspiracy Ba'asyir Guilty for Bali Bombs

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: BBC- Reuters

The Muslim religious leader Abu Bakar Baasyir was sentenced to 2.5 years in jail, on Thursday morning from a Jakarta court. He was involved in the bomb explosion in Bali, on October 2002, which resulted to the death of 202 people, tourists in their majority. However the court authorities did not manage to prove the 66-year-olds, reportedly the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah, involvement in a bomb explosion at Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003, where twelve people were killed. Baasyir was accused of organizing the specific attack from his jail cell. Upon hearing the sentence of the court Baasyirs followers strongly reacted. The U.S. expressed their dissatisfaction over the small sentence enforced to the Muslim cleric.

He Suggested Calmness to Followers

During his arrival in court, Baasyir called on his followers to remain calm.

"A decision which will not free me is unfair. When we are angry we have to put limits. There should be no catastrophes," he stated.

"We respect the independence and the decision of the Indonesian courts but given the seriousness of the charges he faces we are disappointed by the sentence term," stated Max Kwak.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Target was Foreign Ministry Bomb Blast in Baghdad

By Betty Savourdou

Another day in Iraq began with attacks and bloodshed. On Thursday morning, two cars strapped with explosives blasted outside a checkpoint in the Interior Ministry in the centre of Baghdad, resulting to the death of five policemen and the injuring of five more. The kamikaze drivers were headed towards the building, but the guards reacted and opened fire resulting to the cars to explode.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Panathinaikos Loses at the End

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos could easily be described as a suicidal team after todays match in Italy. Zeliko Obradovics team, who for 30 minutes were very good and were even in control of the match, in the last ten minutes seemed to suffer a black out and Bologna took advantage of this, (77-73), meaning that Panathinaikos lost the golden chance to score 2 out of 2 on the 2nd match day of the round of 16 of the Euroleague. This was the first defeat for Panathinaikos, and the first victory for Bologna in the round of 16. The quarters: 16-23, 34-40, 51-57, 77-73.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] School Collapsed Twenty Students Dead

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

At least 20 children lost their lives, when their school collapsed after an explosion in a warehouse, where the owner of a neighboring mine kept explosives. The blast occurred on Wednesday evening in the village of Huogou in the coal mining province of Shanxi, at a time when elementary school students were in the classroom. In China, hundreds of people lose their lives every year by the illegal storage of explosives and fireworks.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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