The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clashes between Pro-government Forces & the opposition

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok after street clashes early today left one dead and 43 injured, authorizing the army to help end four months of protests against his government. The PM has assigned the influential army commander, General Anupong Paochinda as the head of a group that will be responsible to impose a state of emergency. At the same time, over five-person gatherings have been banned. During the night pro-government demonstrators wielding knives, swords and metal bars earlier marched to Government House to confront the Peoples Alliance for Democracy, which has occupied Samaks office compound for a week. Samaks supporters broke through two lines of unarmed police before reaching the anti-government protesters, who charged at them with weapons and fired gunshots. As per a doctor, one person was killed and 38 injured. At the same time the PAD party founder told his supporters to brush aside the state o emergency declared by the PM earlier. The PAD claims the government is a puppet of former PM Thaksin who was ousted in a military coup amid allegations of corruption. The PADs anti-Thaksin demonstrations in 2006 had helped to trigger the coup.

Finally, in a Press Conference aired on TV Samak promised the state of emergency would last a few days.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Oil Prices Drop

As the damages caused to oil installations in Mexico Gulf by hurricane Gustav were limited oil prices have been droping substancially in transactions in Asia. The price of ligh crude for October delivery was down by US$4.46 to US$111 per barrel from yesterdays US$115.46 in New York. The markets were closed in the US yesterday due to Labour Day. A Mitsubishi Corp analyst in Tokyo said the damages caused by Gustav could not be compared to those caused by Katrina. Hurricane Gustave has deteriorated to 1 category and is expected to deteriorate even futher within the day, the US National Hurricane Centre reported. The speed of winds has dropped to 95 kilometes per hour.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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