News in English - 20/06/2014
Fire causes human loss in Athens
A third-floor apartment fire broke out earlier in the day in Nikaia suburb of Piraeus. The fire caused the death of a man while a woman and two children, who were also in the apartment when the fire started, managed to escape.
Crops damaged by hail storms
Hail storms, strong winds and heavy rains completely ruined thousands of acres of grape and olive crops in the regions of Paggaio and Kavala, northern Greece.
Samaras and Venizelos in the role of “children superintendent”
After Prime Minister A. Samaras, PASOK president Evangelos Venizelos met with his party officers in the ministerial cabinetFriday at noon, in an effort to restrain the voiced differences of opinion and the tendency of some members to distance themselves of the official party line in fear of their electors’ discontent.
Chinese Prime Minister at COSCO’s premises in Piraeus
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and his Greek counterpart Antonis Samaras, visited Cosco containers terminal at Piraeus port today, following their visit to the archaeological site of Acropolis.
Subsequently, the two men attended the Greek-Chinese Forum for Maritime Cooperation.
After his visit to the Greek President of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias, the Chinese premier will fly to the island of Crete given the Chinese interest in the new airport of Castelli.
New Democracy and PASOK mock Finance Ministry cleaning staff
The illegally dismissed Finance Ministry cleaning ladies issued an announcement pointing out the tragicomedy acted out by New Democracy and PASOK coalition government who on the one hand support their struggle in theory and on the other send the riot police against the women. “We may be the cleaning staff but we are not stupid” concludes the announcement.
Universities administration staff still on strike
Universities administrative employees continue their 48-hour strike. Polytechnic School of Athens and University of Patras premises are still occupied by students and staff. Institutes of Higher Technological Education in Lamia, Chalkida, Amfissa, Karpenisi and Theva are to remain closed from Monday, June 23rd to Sunday, June 29th. Such was the decision of the Senate due to financial issues the institutes are facing.
“Hellas Gold” starts drilling in Skouries without legal permit
Hellas Gold S.A. has started drilling for gold at Skouries gold mine in Chalkidiki without legal permit given that the company has received a negative answer regarding its operation from the state town planning service.
Official state documents were published today on the site www.alterthess.gr causing questions as to who is hiding behind the continuation of gold mining in the mountain of Kakavos.
International News
Casualties in Syria
A car bomb exploded near the city of Hama in Syria today, Friday, causing the death of 34 civilians and wounding more than 50 others.
Israelis show a “human” face in Palestine
Israeli army has arrested more than 300 Palestinians, continuing their search for 3 Israeli men reported missing on Thursday last. Nevertheless, they killed a fifteen-year old Palestinian on the West Bank today without hesitation.
Bulgaria declares national mourning day
Bulgaria declares national mourning on June 23 as death toll due to torrential rains and floods of the last few days rises. Buildings collapsed, roads were blocked and 12-hour power cuts occurred. Villages have been evacuated mainly in the east and in the Varna region.
Weather forecast
Scattered clouds with local showers and thunderstorms in the western and northern regions of the country and the eastern Aegean islands. Temperatures in Athens will range from 18 to 31 degrees and in Thessaloniki from 19 to 26 degrees Celsius.