The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reversing Surging Prices on G8's Agenda

04 ���� 2008 13:53:0 (Last updated: 04 ���� 2008 21:44:1)

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, Reuters

The record oil prices and the ways to reverse the upward trend will be running high on the agenda of the G8 leaders in Japan between 7 and 9 July.

Crude oil prices in world markets have been doubled compared to 2007 and posted a 50% increase since the beginning of the year, giving rise to fears over inflationary pressures and a slowdown on economy growth.

On Thursday, US crude oil hit a new record high, standing at $145.85 per barrel, while Brent rose to $146.69, also reporting a new record.

Global demand for oil and the increasing interest of investors, due to concerns over world economy and the weak dollar currency, have played their part in this development.

The sanctions imposed for several years and the war have seriously disrupted crude oil output in Iraq. Furthermore, sanctions have reduced oil output in Iran, while violence has led in offer losses in Nigeria.

In the meantime, the skyrocketing oil prices have fuelled nationalism in the energy resources sector.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Due to Increasing Fuel Prices

04 ���� 2008 20:02:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ���-��� 105.8

The skyrocketing oil prices have an adverse effect on travel fares. Air carriers decided to have air fares hiked, claiming that fuels prices have come to be 110$ higher than last year. Announcing a new increase in the additional cost entailed by fuel price increases, Greek carrier Aegean Airlines will raise domestic flight fares by 2 euros and long-distance ones by 3 euros as of coming Thursday. The previous increase took effect two and a half months ago.

Therefore the additional cost entailed by the fuel price hikes will amount to 19 euros for domestic flights and 32 euros for long-distance ones.

As for Olympic Airlines, the Greek national air carrier, the said cost, which was last increased on 2 June, stands at 16 euros for domestic flights, 29 for flights to Europe and 87 euros for flights bound to Johannesburg, New York and Montreal.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Tripoli

04 ���� 2008 22:03:0

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

A major blaze has been ravaging Mt Mainalo, southern Greece, since Friday noon. Firefighters have not yet managed to contain it, while four air tankers and three helicopters are assisting the battle against the fire.

Arcadia Prefect Dimitris Konstantopoulos expressed his grave concerns over what was left of the fir-tree forest on Mt Mainalo from last years forest fire.

A local mayor put down the fire to a thunderbolt that struck an area that was reduced to ashes in the summer of 2000. He further stressed that firefighters would keep trying to prevent the fire from spreading to the fir-tree forest.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Erdogan: "Democracy not Under Threat"

Sources: REUTERS

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, fighting in court for his and the governing partys political survival, said on Friday political tensions will be fixed and that democracy was not under threat. Turkey was rocked this week by reports that an ultra-nationalist illegal organisation planned to trigger a military coup against the government. The widening police investigation comes as the AK Party defends itself in court against charges of trying to introduce Islamic rule. The party could be closed down, a move that might lead to an early parliamentary election in the EU-applicant country. "I want to stress once again that the democratic system is working with its institutions and rules in Turkey within the framework of the law," Erdogan told AK Party members in comments broadcast live. "Turkey has the experience to overcome this painful period and solve its problems with its domestic dynamics. Nobody should be worried," he said. CNN Turk said the two retired army generals had been sent to court on Friday. Turkish opposition parties have accused the government of using the Ergenekon probe to hit back at critics of the ruling AK Party as it fights for its survival in court.

[05] In Lesvos Island

04 ���� 2008 19:17:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

More than 800 women from all over the world will meet at the birthplace of Ancient Greek poetess Sappho from 6 to 20 September to attend the International Womens Festival organised by Sappho Travel of nine years running. Women from the Netherlands, England, Germany, France, the USE, Australia and New Zealand are among the visitors. According to the booking records, the number of women to join the Festival will be double than last year.

The Internet and the travel agencys website played a really instrumental role in spreading the news. The Festivals agenda includes several activities, such as music, theatre, dancing, open discussion, massage and sports events.

Bands from the Netherlands, the UK and New Zealand have been invited to take part in the festival. Painting and photograph workshops are also on the agenda.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Betancourt Was Freed over Ransom?

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP

It appears that the FARC rebels were paid a really large amount of money to free Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and the rest 14 hostages. The information was released by Swiss radio station Radio Suisse Romande (RSR), speaking of about 20 million dollars. Her being released by Colombian government agents who had infiltrated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was fake, claimed the radio, due to President Uribes public commitment against any negotiations with the rebels for as long as they keep hostages. It should be noted that Switzerland, France and Spain had been involved in a campaign to approach the FARC guerillas.

Commenting on the information released by the Swiss radio, a French Foreign Ministry spokesman denied the ransom scenario saying, "The answer is very simple: no."

In the meantime, Ingrid Betancourt landed at a military airport located near Paris after six and a half years in the hands of leftist Colombian guerrillas. A tearful Betancourt gave credit to France for her safe release, saying that she owes everything to France. Betancourt was welcomed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, stressing, "Ingrid Betancourt, welcome. France loves you."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Betancourt Freed

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