The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] The World Stands by Egypt International Condemnation

British FM Jack Straw described the culprits of the Sharm el-Sheikh attacks as evil. "Almost certainly, they [the bombers] are evil people who will claim, wrongly, to have done this in the name of Islam," he mentioned in his announcement. According to Egyptian hospital sources, two Britons were killed in the attacks; however, the British FM has not confirmed the information. Jack Straw mentioned that eight British citizens were injured and unfortunately two of them are in very serious condition. He also declared that he has not altered the policy with respect to travel advice for British tourists travelling to Egypt. "We are saying to people yes we all know theres a threat of terrorism in Egypt," declared Jack Straw, who added that the Foreign Office only warned against travel to areas if there was an imminent threat of terrorism, an endemic threat or where law and order have broken down.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan reacted with sorrow and anger to the news of the multiple car bombs in the Sinai Peninsula, which have cruelly struck the brave Egyptian nation on its National Day

"The United States stands with our friend and ally Egypt. Together we will confront and defeat this scourge that knows no boundary and respects no creed," stressed the US State Secretary, Condoleezza Rice, who is currently touring Israel and the Palestinian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a message of support to his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak.

French President Jacques Chirac and Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi condemned the attacks and voiced their determination to combating terrorism, while Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi sent a telegram to his Egyptian counterpart, conveying his deepest condolences.

From Brussels, the European Union expressed its repulsion and declared that it is ready to offer assistance to the Egyptian authorities.

Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Iraq and Iran issued announcements condemning the multi-fatality attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Sweden advised its citizens not to travel to the afflicted areas, while Switzerland, Spain and Slovakia expressed their solidarity and condolences to the families of the victims and the Egyptian people.

On its part, Israel condemned the attacks, describing them as inhumane actions, while it offered Egypt its assistance, in the context of the peace agreement, which has been in force since 1979. At least one Israeli was injured in these attacks. Another 10,000 Israeli tourists are holidaying in the Egyptian resort at the moment. Israelis continue spending their holidays at the Red Sea resorts, despite the repeated warnings issued by the Israeli Government concerning their safety.

The leader of the Palestinian negotiators, Saeb Erekat noted, "We are condemning the attacks and conveying our condolences to the Government and the Egyptian people, as well as our wishes for the quick recovery of those injured."

The German Foreign Minister announced that a 4-member delegation from their embassy in Cairo was sent to Sharm el-Sheikh to assist any Germans who may have fallen victims to the attack. Up until now, no Germans are among the dead.

Egyptian Interior Minister Habib el-Adli stressed that the culprits of the attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh are probably linked to the ones who were responsible for the terrorist attacks in Taba, Sinai, last October, when 34 people were killed. The Minister said that they had clues at hand which could lead the security services to the culprits, while he added that the clues indicated that todays attacks are linked to those in Taba.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry announcement mentioned that the international community has to start an outright war against terrorism.

The President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus described terrorism as one of the worst phenomena of our era, while he conveyed his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

The Queen of the Netherlands also sent her condolences to President Mubarak, as did the countrys PM Jan Peter Balkenende.

Pope Benedict IX called on the people who perform such heinous acts to repent and give up their weapons, while he sent his condolences to Egypt.

The brotherhood of the Muslim Brothers of Egypt, the main Opposition power of the country, condemned the multi-fatality attacks, stressing that such acts destabilise the country, solely benefiting the Americans and the Zionists.

The Greek Government condemned the terrorist attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh and noted that there are no Greek citizens among the dead or injured. The Greek Foreign Ministry, embassy and consulate in Cairo are in constant contact with the Egyptian Government, as well as the travel agencies that organise trips to the area.

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, and the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, condemned the terrorist attacks in Egypt.

"Heinous terrorist attacks against your country, which resulted in the death of many innocent citizens, are condemned by every person. I personally convey my condolences and the solidarity of the Greek people for your country and the families of the victims," stressed Mr Papoulias.

"We are standing by and supporting your determination in your fight against terrorism," was mentioned in the telegram sent by the President of PASOK, who also expressed his disgust for todays terrorist attacks. Mr Papandreou also noted, "Innocent lives perished in this tragic attack," while he expressed his support and deepest condolences for the families of the victims.

In his message to his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Greek FM Petros Molyviatis conveyed the deepest condolences of the Greek people for the victims of the terrorist attack in Egypt, while he declared that Greece is ready to provide humanitarian aid, if asked to do so.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] The Greeks Are Safe

By Anna Kourti

One hundred Greek tourists are at the Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh and they are all well. On Saturday morning, the first Greeks who were in Egypt started arriving at the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport. The Greek Embassy and Consulate in Cairo are open to all Greek tourists seeking assistance. The Greek tourist agency "Marathon Travel" told NET that a group of Greek tourists who are in Sharm el-Sheikh and travelled through the agency are all well.

According to the representative of the Greek tourist agency "Pyramis", Giorgos Rektsisnis, who is in Egypt, at the time of the attacks, most of the Greek tourists were staying at the hotels Intercontinental and Imper, in Pasha Bay, 5km away from the scene of the massacre.

He also mentioned that all the Greeks tourists in the area are well, adding, "34 people are part of a group, while the are another 40 individual travellers with the same agency. In addition, there may be other Egyptian Greeks in the area, since the resort is one of the most popular ones in the country."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] "We Do not Fear the Egyptian Tyrant "

By Anna Kourti

The al-Qaeda-linked group "Abdullah Azzam Brigades, al-Qaeda, in Syria and Egypt" claimed responsibility for the attacks in Egypt with an announcement posted on the Internet. The announcement read, "Our mujahideen brothers have delivered a crushing blow to the crusaders [referring to the Americans and the Westerners in general] and the Zionists and the infidel Egyptian regime in Sharm Sheikh by targeting the Ghazala Gardens hotel and the old market. This operation came in response to the crimes committed by the evil powers against the Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Chechnya. We do not fear the Egyptian tyrant." It should be noted that todays announcement included many details concerning the hits in Egypt, as opposed to other announcements by groups affiliated to al-Qaeda.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Suspect due to his Clothing and Behaviour They Killed Him by Mistake!

By Anna Kourti

Police acknowledged on Saturday that the man they shot dead on Friday was not connected to bomb attacks on the British capital the previous day. "We are now satisfied that he was not connected with the incidents of Thursday 21 July 2005," police said in a statement. According to an announcement issued by Scotland Yard, the man was being trailed, since he had come out of a house that under surveillance. The police forces then shot dead the suspect, when he refused orders to halt. In the meantime, the Mile End underground station has reopened, after being closed earlier today by London police for an unspecified security alert. "The station has reopened," a spokesman for the citys transport authority said, without disclosing any information about the evacuation. Stockwell station has also reopened, while earlier a second person was arrested in the same area, as part of the investigation into last Thursdays failed attacks. Finally, as per a police announcement, Warren station also reopened this afternoon.

"For somebody to lose their life in such circumstances is a tragedy and one that the Metropolitan Police Service regrets," the police mentioned in their announcement. In the same announcement, they also admitted that the man killed on Friday by the police was not connected to bomb attacks on the British capital the previous day, calling the shooting tragic and regrettable.

"We are now satisfied that he was not connected with the incidents of Thursday 21 July 2005," police said in their statement.

The police, who are hunting four men who tried to bomb Londons transport system on Thursday - two weeks after suicide bombers killed 52 commuters - shot dead the man who had been under surveillance and refused orders to halt.

The killing at point-blank range with five shots to the head in front of shocked passengers on a packed underground train triggered speculation that traditionally unarmed British police had radically changed their iron-fist-in-velvet-glove approach.

"The man emerged from a block of flats in the Stockwell area that were under police surveillance as part of the investigation into the incidents on Thursday 21 July. "He was then followed by surveillance officers to the underground station. His clothing and behaviour added to their suspicions," the statement said. It also added that the circumstances that led to the mans death were being investigated.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Looking for the Suspects

Suspect Shot Dead

[05] Of a Chest Infection "Long John" Passed Away

By Anna Kourti

British blues legend John Baldry, aged 64, died of a chest infection late on Thursday in a Vancouver hospital, west Canada. Nicknamed Long John, as he was over 2m tall, Baldry lived in Vancouver for the last 25 years. The legendary artist became famous in the 60s, playing alongside Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger and Elton John. "John Baldry will be remembered by his music and the love he generously gave to all those who came in contact with him," wrote agent Frank Garcia on the artists website.

He was born in England in 1941, while he was considered a founding father of the British blues and rock n roll scene in the 1960s, releasing over 40 albums. In 1964, even the Beatles invited him to accompany them on stage in a special show for the British TV.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Attack Against Police Car in Athens

By Anna Kourti

At around 2am, unknown men threw Molotov cocktails against a police 4WD of the Athens Illegal Immigrant Squad, in Kaniggos Square, Athens. The ten culprits were wearing hoods and following the attack, they ran away and disappeared.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] In the New York Subway Thorough Searches

By Anna Kourti

Following the attacks in London, New Yorks authorities began randomly searching bags of subway passengers on Friday. In addition, the plan is to extend the practice to buses, airport trains and suburban commuter lines. Riders on USAs largest subway system waited patiently while officers at various stations around the city combed through their briefcases and knapsacks. The citys mayor, Michael Bloomberg, declared that the practice would go on indefinitely.

[08] Isinbayeva Writes History

By Stathis Petropoulos

Yelena Isinbayeva broke the world record in womens pole vault yet again yesterday in London. But this is not just any record; it is a record that will go down in history, as she cleared the 5-metre mark, becoming the first woman ever to do so. Her previous record was 4.96m, but it was sure that it would not last long and the Russian champion proved so with a great performance at the Crystal Palace Grand Prix in London. The 23-year-old athlete showed her intentions right form the start, as she only made two attempts (4.70m and 4.80m) before going for the world record. The Olympic champion was challenged by Polands Anna Rogowska for the 4.96-metre record, but the latter failed in her three attempts, staying at 4.80 meters. Isinbayeva easily cleared 5 meters on her first attempt, barely nudging the bar.

Tsiamis Finishes Fourth

At the same Grand Prix, Dimitris Tsiamis finished in fourth place in triple jump with 16.70m. Nathan Douglas from Great Britain won the event with 17.32m, followed by American Kenta Bell with 16.87m and Leevan Sands from the Bahamas with 16.85m

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Great Success for Greek Team

By Stathis Petropoulos

The amazing performances of the mens Greek water Polo Team continued in the game against Australia, which it defeated by 10-8. As a result, the team won all three preliminary games in its group and qualified for the round of 8, at the World Water Polo Championship in Montreal. Greece will now play against either the USA or Italy, which will be playing against each other for a place in the round of 8, to qualify for the semifinals. The Greek team had pretty much secured the first place in the group since Thursday, when they defeated Germany, so they did not have to try that hard against Australia. During a very tough game, which included a total of 20 exclusion fouls (11 for Australia and 9 for Greece), the Greek team managed to win the game with a two-goal difference, thanks to the great performances by Doskas and G. Afroudakis, and won the two points deservedly.

The score per period (Australia first): 1-2, 2-3, 3-2, 2-3

AUSTRALIA: Figlioli 2, Whalan 2, Franklin 1, Neesham 1, McGregor 1, Maitland 1 GREECE: Doskas 5, G. Afroudakis 4, Mazis 1

The Rest of the Programme

Sunday 24 July

16:30 S. Africa-Japan (Places 13-16) -- 25 -- 17:45 Canada-China (Places 13-16) -- 26 -- 19:00 Spain-Cuba (Playoffs) -- 27 -- 20:15 Italy-USA (Playoffs) -- 28 -- 03:15 Croatia-Australia (Playoffs) -- 29 -- 04:30 Romania-Germany (Playoffs) -- 30 --

Tuesday 26 July

16:30 Loser 25-Loser 26 (Places 15-16) 17:45 Winner 25-Winner 26 (Places 13-14) 19:00 Loser 27-Loser 29 (Places 9-12) 20:15 Loser 28-Loser 30 (Places 9-12) 22:15 Russia-Winner 29 (Quarterfinals) 23:30 Serbia/Montenegro-Winner 30 (Quarterfinals) 03:15 Hungary-Winner 27 (Quarterfinals) 04:30 Greece-Winner 28 (Quarterfinals)

Chatzimitrou in 17th Place

Eleni Chatzimitrou was eliminated from the finals in 3m springboard in diving. Although the Greek champion qualified for the semifinals, she finished in 17th place overall with 425.58 points. Following the semifinals, Chinese Jingjing Guo and Min Xia Wu are in first and second place with 616.7 points and 606.06 points respectively, while Russian Yulia Pakhalina is in third place with 583.17.

Eleftheria Ftouli and Evi Makrygianni finished in eighth place in synchronized swimming (duet). In the final, the Greek duo received 92.917 points overall and ranked eighth, thus confirming that Greece is improving in this discipline. Russia won the gold yet again, with Anastasia Davydova and Anastasia Ermakova, while Spain and Japan finished in second and third place respectively.

1. Davydova/Ermakova (Russia) 98.084 2. Mengual/Tirados (Spain) 97.417 3. Harada/Suzuki (Japan) 97.334 4. Lowe/Nesbitt (USA) 94.584 5. Cargill/Stewart (Canada) 94.501 6. Gu/Zhang (China) 94.417 7. Zaffalon/Paccagnella (Italy) 92.917 8. Ftouli/Makrygianni (Greece) 92.917 9. Van Der Velden B./Van Der Velden S. (Netherlands) 90.084 10. Lafay/Meesseman-Bakir (France) 89.917 10. Sydorenko/Yushko (Ukraine) 89.917 12. Kim/Yoo (S. Korea) 89.751

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Condoleezza Rice in Ramallah

By Anna Kourti

The US State Secretary arrived in Ramallah on Saturday morning. There, Condoleezza Rice will hold talks with the Palestinian leadership, focusing on Israels pullout from the Gaza Strip, which is planned for mid-August. She is scheduled to meet with PM Ahmed Qorei and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. On Friday, Ms Rice met with the Israeli Government, while she also visited Beirut. The USA are placing great significance to the success of the Road Map peace plan, the international communitys latest attempt to terminate the violence and settle the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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