The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gaza: UN & Reuters Bombed

Mr Moon, who is visiting Israel within the framework of a diplomatic effort to accomplish ceasefire in Gaza, reported that he protested strongly to the Israeli Defence and Foreign ministers and asked for full explanations. The Defence minister said it was a serious mistake, which he is dealing with very seriously. He assured me that additional attention would be given to the UN installations and staff, adding that that would never happen again.

Earlier, during his meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Mr Moon had stated that the number of the dead in Gaza had risen very much.

The number of dead among the Palestinians from Israel's ground attack has risen to at least 1,055, according to the Health Ministry, which is managed by Hamas in Gaza. The Palestinian Organisation for Human Rights announced that 670 of the dead were civilians.

In parallel, Hamas missiles have killed 13 Israelis, 10 of which are soldiers and three civilians. UNRWA spokesman Christopher Gunness stated after the UNRWA building was bombed that although the service suspended the circulation of its vehicles it will not suspend its programmes.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the bombings this morning by the Israeli army of several hospitals and a building housing international media in Gaza city," said foreign ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier.

"We condemn with equal strength the bombing that hit the headquarters of the UNRWA in Gaza, injuring three staff members," he added. The UNRWA is the UN's main agency for Palestinian refugees.

The Media Bombed Besides, as per Reuters, the building housing its offices and other Media offices was hit. One journalist of the Abu Dhabi TV network was injured seriously, while two cameramen were also injured.About 40 people, medical staff members "have been trapped" in the Gaza Hospital, which was hit by shells and in which fire broke out.

The Israeli Doctors for the Human Rights, who spoke with the head of the hospital stated to the German News Agency that efforts are being made to remove the sick and wounded.

Polls

A poll carried by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz sets the question: "Is the Gaza operation a success or a failure?" and 78% describe it a success, 13% a failure, while 9% have not replied. The mistake margin is 4.3%.

The European Parliament

The six most important groups of the European Parliament have issued a joint resolution, adopted today by the vast majority, demanding immediate and permanent ceasefire.

In parallel, the Euro Deputies demand from the Israeli Authorities to allow the free access of humanitarian aid.

Referring to 8, January 1860 resolution of the UN Security Council they express their grief because neither Israel nor Hamas have responded positively to the UN's request to end hostilities.

The Demands:

- A permanent ceasefire should be declared immediately and Hama should stop launching missiles against Israel, while Israel, from its side, should end its military operations in Gaza.- A viable ceasefire should be supported, while Israeli troops should be removed, passages should open, the blockade should be lifted and gun and ammunition smuggling averted.- An international mechanism should be set up on the Quartet's initiative.- Finally, the European Parliament stresses that only real progress to peace and the real improvement of the situation in the West Bank and in Gaza can boost the Palestinian Authority's legality.

Sources: ÁNA, AFP, Reuters,German

News item: 17753

[02] Vatopedi Case in Parliament Monday

ND (Conservatives) spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos has accused the main opposition of party self-interest and an attempt to penalize Greece's political life, pointing out that the ruling party will not go into partnership with PASOK's methodisation.

The rest of the opposition believes that an Inquiry Committee should investigate the case.

Commenting on the issue, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stated that the ND government will not share PASOK's intention to penalize Greece's political life. He also reported that PASOK had submitted that request for the second time in Parliament when it knows that the issue had been dealt with in depth by the Inquiry Committee and that from now on Justice should take over. "PASOK is trying to impress for its own intraparty reasons. It will not succeed in doing so," stated Mr Antonaros.

News item: 17756

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