The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Toyako, Japan

09 ���� 2008 09:02:0

Sources: �NA/�PA

Leaders of 16 major greenhouse gas emitters among them developed and emerging economies- agreed on Wednesday to support long-term goal for reduction of gas emissions. In their announcement, the leaders of the 16 countries participating in the two-hour Major Economies Meeting held on the final day of the G-8 annual summit in Toyako, northern Japan, recognize the need for deep cuts in global emissions and that developed economies must set mid-term targets to reduce gas emissions causing greenhouse effect. Apart from the G-8 (Japan, US, Canada, Britain, German, France, Italy and Russia), taking part in the Major Economies Meeting were Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa-known as the G-5 as emerging nations as well as Australia, Indonesia and South Korea.

"Equal Partners" in Missile Defence"

White House spokesman said Wednesday in Toyako, Japan that Russia and Europe should be "equal partners" in US planned missile defence. "We seek strategic cooperation on preventing missiles from rogue nations like Iran from threatening our friends and allies," said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. "We will continue to have a dialogue with the Russians." "We want to design a system between the United States, Russia and Europe, with everyone participating as equal partners, the White House spokesman said on the margins of G-8 summit, in northern Japan

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Related News:

G-8 Significant Decisions

[02] Bar Explosion

Sources: NET 105.8

Explosion of home made device at around 05:00 Wednesday morning destroyed a bar at Akti Themistocleous, in Piraeus and caused extensive material damage to nearby shops, houses and parked cars and motorcycles. Luckily, the owner of the bar was not injured, despite being inside his shop.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Iran Launches Missile Tests

Sources: Reuters

Iran has test fired nine long- and medium-range missiles, including one which it has previously said could reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region, state media reported on Wednesday. The tests occurred at a time of increased tension between Iran and Israel over Tehrans disputed nuclear programme, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for power generation. Irans Supreme Leader will conduct naval exercises in the Gulf and U.S. to improve their fighting abilities of units handling missiles and marine forces."

Intense Atmosphere

State Press TV said the missiles tested by Irans Revolutionary Guards included a "new" Shahab 3 missile, which officials have said could reach targets 2,000 km (1,250 miles) away. On Tuesday, an aide to Irans Supreme Leader was quoted as saying the Islamic Republic would hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and U.S. interests around the world if it was attacked over its nuclear activities.

Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. "The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately."

[04] Bolivia Deadly Accident

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: �NA-�PA

At least 46 people were killed and 11 injured in Bolivia on Tuesday when a truck loaded with goods and peasants lurched off a mountainous highway and fell nearly 300 meters. The truck was loaded with 60 people who were sitting on top of their loads, which crushed them when the truck fell. The accident took place in Yocalla, a town in southern Bolivia near the mining city of Potosi.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Official Announcement

09 ���� 2008 08:40:0

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

French President Nicolas Sarkozy will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games next month in his double capacity as president of France and as president of the European Union, a statement issued by Sarkozys office today said. International human rights organizations have called on state leaders to boycott the Beijing Games opening ceremony, mainly over a crackdown in Tibet. Sarkozy told Chinese President Hu Jintao he would go to Beijing during a half-hour meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Eight industrialized nations summit in northern Japan. "The president confirmed to the Chinese president that he intends to go to Beijing on August 8 to take part in the opening ceremony of the 29th Olympiad, a statement issued by Sarkozys office today said.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Fierce Clashes in Lebanon

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: �NA-�PA, French News Agency

At least 5 people were wounded in a fresh outbreak of violence late on Tuesday, in Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen districts of the northern Lebanese city Tripoli, where nine people were killed and 45 wounded in political clashes two weeks ago.

Bab al-Tabbaneh is a majority Sunni area who support the government, which is backed by the West and most Arab nations while the majority of Jabal Mohsen support the Syrian and Iranian-backed opposition from the Shia Alawite Muslim sect.

A security official said that the injured included a soldier from the Lebanese armed forces and four civilians. He added that security forces were ordered to increase patrols, arrest anyone who threatens the public security even if the use of force is necessary.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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