The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-05-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Pope Says No to the Ideological Manipulation of Religion

Pope Benedict XVI denounced the ideological manipulation of the population as it may lead to violence. The Pope made the above statement In Jordan's biggest mosque Al Husein ben Talal in Amman, Saturday. Before important Muslim religious leaders, the Pope stated he is against those who argue that religion is necessarily a reason for division, rejecting the argument as per which the less attention we give to religion the better is. In parallel, he supported the recognition of fundamental rights in a peaceful co-existence among Iraq's Christians.

Admitting the existence of tension and divisions among members of various religions, the Pope stated that the ideological manipulation of religion - sometimes for political reasons - is responsible for tension, divisions and sometimes violence in the society.

He urged Muslims and Christians to exert an effort today to be recognized as worshippers of God, always knowing their common descent and the dignity of every human being.

In parallel, he called on diplomats and the international community, as well as Iraq's political and religious leaders to do all they can to secure to the ancient Christian community of this land its fundamental rights for a peaceful coexistence with the rest of the civilians.

As per Christian religious leaders, out of the 800,000 Christians, who lived in Iraq before the 2003 invasion, 250,000 have abandoned their country, where sometimes they became the victims of extremist Muslims.

News item: 22091

[02] K. Papoulias: We Should Receive the Right Messages

The President associated the sacrifice of Athanasios Diakos with the sacrifice of all those who gave their life for national independence and dignity, appealing to all to reach substantial and necessary for our struggles conclusions.

After referring to Fthiotida's history by stressing that it was there that the Amfictionies were born and Leonidas and the 300 Spartans were sacrificed, as well as the Gorgopotamos Bridge was blown up, he visited the spot where Diakos was buried and laid a wreath at his statue.

News item: 22086

[03] S. Africa's New President Sworn-in

In the presence of 30 heads of states and governments, 5,000 honorary guests, as well as the country's first president Nelson Mandela, Jacob Zuma was inaugurated as president of South Africa in an exuberant ceremony Saturday. The ANC leader swore to protect all South Africans and encourage respect to their rights during the 22 April Parliamentary elections. He also committed himself to respect Nelso Mandela's reconciliation climate, stressing that he would not deviate from that line.

Source: �NA

News item: 22084

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