The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stockbreeders Suspend Strike Actions

Sources: ��� 105.8

Stockbreeders have decided to suspend their scheduled strike actions, even though no agreement has been struck with traders on the price of lambs. Larissas stockbreeder head Mihalis Tzotzios told NET radio station that the actions were suspended, although the prices suggested by the traders were rather low.

In Varvakios market, central Athens, local lambs are priced from 6 to 9 euros per kilo, while exported ones from 5.5 to 6.5 euros per kilo. Vegetable prices have also been increased, shooting up the cost of the Easter feast by 15%.

In the meantime, the Easter working hour scheme has already taken effect. During the Holy Week, stores in Athens will remain open from 9am to 9pm. On Good Friday, stores will remain open from 1pm to 7pm and on Holy Saturday from 9am to 3pm. In Piraeus, stores will open an hour earlier, namely at 8am.

Hypermarkets will be open from 8am to 9pm from Holy Monday to Maundy Thursday, from 1pm to 8pm on Good Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Holy Saturday. Stores will be closed on Easter Monday.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Oil Prices Near $117

By Athina Saloustrou

Crude oil prices in Asian trading are hovering near a record $117 a barrel, as OPEC is not expected to increase oil output. On Monday morning in Singapore, sweet crude oil for May delivery was down by 9 cents to $116.60. North Sea Brent for June delivery stood at $113.87 per barrel, 5 cents lower than the Friday closing price of $113.92. Analysts have said that the black gold prices have gone out of control. Over the last year, sweet crude oil prices have increased by $54 in New York, and Brents by $47 in London. Playing an instrumental part in this upward spiral, OPEC President and Algerian Energy Minister Chakib Khelil stressed Sunday that there is no need for an increase in the daily output, despite the calls by the consumer nations. In the meantime, oil-producing countries and consumer ones are holding talks in an international forum on energy hosted in Rome. However, OPEC has underlined it would not use the international energy forum to revise its policy on output.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Opposition Wins Elections in Paraguay

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP, ANA/MPA

Candidate of the centre-left coalition and former Roman Catholic Bishop Fernando Lugo is the new Paraguayan President after garnering 40.8% of the vote, as opposed to 30.8% of his rival Blanca Ovelar of the ruling party of Colorado Party. Lugo is the countrys first elected President that does not come for the Colorado Party, which has been in power since 1947. Upon the released of the final results, the newly-elected President addressed his supporters, stressing, "You are responsible for the happiness of the majority of the Paraguayan people today. This is the Paraguay I dream about, with many colours, many faces, the Paraguay of everyone."

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Opposition victorious in Paraguay

[04] Japan: Torch Relay Changes Route

Sources: Associated Press

Japan has decided to start the upcoming Olympic torch relay in a parking lot, officials said Monday, after a major Buddhist temple backed out of the event over security concerns and sympathy for Tibetans. On Friday, Buddhist monks at the centuries-old Zenkoji temple refused to host the start of the relay, which has been a magnet for critics of Chinas human rights record and its recent crackdown in Tibet after anti-government riots there.

Nagano city officials now plan to start the April 26 leg of the run at a city-owned parking lot, said Yuya Kobayashi at the city planning committee for the relay.

The new site is part of a government district about 1/2 mile from the initial site and would not affect the distance of the relay or security planning, Kobayashi said.

"We were pressed for time but were able to find an alternative site nearby," he said. "Fortunately, we hardly have to change our initial plans."

Vandals over the weekend spray painted the temple with white paint after it announced it would not host the relays start, though officials would not say whether the two events were related.

In Malaysia on Monday, 1,000 police stood ready to guard the relay against protests. A Buddhist group held special prayers at a Kuala Lumpur temple for a trouble-free torch run and a peaceful Olympics in August.

Since protesters disrupted the torchs stops in London, Paris and San Francisco, its more recent legs in South America, Africa and Asia have been relatively trouble-free.

[05] Forest Fires in Crete

Sources: ��� 105.8

Air and ground forces have joined firefighters in the area of Orthouni, Crete, in an effort to contain a forest fire that is ravaging the area, due to constant rekindlings.

Crete regional governor Nikos Barbarousis told NET radio station that the wild fire in Meskla had been contained. However, a mountainous village was evacuated for precautionary reason.

The wild fire in Lousakies has also been brought under control, while another in the area of Analoukas, eastern Crete, has also been contained.

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