The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-08

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israeli Police Intervention Incidents at the Patriarchate

Sources: NET - ANA

Tension prevails at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem after the incidents that occurred this morning, when hierarchs supporting Eirinaios tried to transfer money and dozens of documents from the Patriarchate's financial services offices to Mr Eirinaios home. However, they were exposed and were forced to hand them over to Synod Hierarchs. Following these incidents, the Israeli police were forced to intervene and now anyone who wishes to enter the offices will have to be escorted by one police officer, while a member of the Synod and Mr Eirinaios' representative will have to be present for the removal of documents or money. In the meantime, Israeli authorities and delegations from the Interior ministry, the Police and the Justice ministry are convening regarding the matter. At the same time, Mr Eirinaios stated he will not resign, while in a letter he threatens the Holy Sepulchre Hierarchs and clerics opposing him with sanctions.

Radical Changes

A day full of incidents dawned in Jerusalem and the Patriarchate, as it was made known that the Patriarch had sent associates to the financial services - where he is allowed entry, as opposed to the Synod members - in an effort to remove documents and money. Supervisor Kornilios, accompanied by a large group of Hierarchs, immediately rushed to the financial services offices, where they caught Archimandrite Fotios and a Greek police officer, who was part of the Patriarchs personal guard, whilst transferring bags full of money and dozens of original powers of attorney. The money was in Cypriot pounds and the powers of attorney were addressed to a lawyer and Nikos Papadimas, whom Patriarch Eirinaios had commissioned to administrate his immovable assets, and had been reported as lost. They were all confiscated by the Synod members, who reported the attempt to smuggle them to the police. Archimandrite Fotios supported the money were destined for kitchen expenses.

A little while later, a letter by Mr Eirinaios was distributed to reporters, whereby he threatened the Holy Sepulchre Hierarchs and any clerics opposing him with sanctions. He urged them to stop doubting him because they are committing crimes; otherwise he would be forced to impose sanctions in an effort to safeguard the prestige of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

The Synod members did not make any comments, but clarified that they no longer considered Mr Eirinaios a Patriarch, since he has been renounced.

The tragic developments at the Patriarchate led Israeli police to intervene in order to scale back the tension. In particular, the Israeli police sealed off the entrance to the financial service offices with their own lock and anyone who wishes to go in will have to be escorted by a police officer. What is more, in the case documents or money need to be taken from the Patriarchate's treasury, a member of the Synod (which opposes the Patriarch) and a person representing the Patriarch will also have to be present.

On Saturday, Mr Eirinaios sent a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarchate Bartholomew, explaining the reasons why he is not resigning. He then met with Jerusalem Patriarchate Hierarchs, to whom he repeated that he is refusing to resign. He then met with a close associate from the financial services, as well as the police chief of the Old City in Jerusalem, asking the latter to provide him with a police escort. The police chief agreed to the request, but advised him to limit his public appearances, in view of the current circumstances.

He was then visited by the Ecumenical Patriarchates three-member Exarchy, while, according to sources, nothing significant was discussed during their brief meeting.

The Exarchy in turn met with the three-member committee that has temporarily taken over the administration of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, to assess the situation. On Monday, the Ecumenical Patriarchates delegation will brief the Holy Sepulchre brotherhood during a meeting that will take place in Fanar.

On Sunday, the three Synod heads, Messrs Kornilios, Timotheos and Isichios met with members of the Palestinian Authority, including president Mahmud Abbas, whom they informed on the latest developments. After the meeting, Mr Abbas said he takes the side of Synod Hierarchs, supporting that if such a big group of hierarchs oppose the Patriarch, then there has to be some right in their positions.

On Monday, Jordan is expected to ratify the Synod deed renouncing the Patriarch. It is worth noting that the number of high priests and clerics who signed the deed rises to 75. Out of a total of 18, 15 Synod Hierarchs have also signed it, while the total number of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood rises to almost 100 people.

As per exclusive NET radio 105.8 information, a representative of the Israeli government is soon expected to meet with the three-member committee of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Israeli side has asked for the participation of the Synod's head secretary, Archbishop Aristarchos of Konstantine.

What is more, the Ecumenical Patriarch who is in Pergamum also referred to the matter. In particular, when asked about the Jerusalem Patriarchate crisis, Mr Bartholomew said he awaits the return of the Committee and stated: "In any case, I cannot perform miracles."

Israeli Authorities Meeting

In the meantime, Israeli authorities and delegations from the Interior ministry, the Police and the Justice ministry are still convening regarding the matter, while as per unconfirmed information an official of the Israeli presidential office is also participating in the meeting.

The focal point of the meeting was the decision making regarding:

from whom should the Police take orders the Patriarch or the Synod, which is currently handling the Patriarchate affairs how should the presidential office move regarding the 1958 Jordanian law and if the latter is part of national legislation through which any government who have the right to decide over the Patriarch's fate.

Israeli experts submitted a report to the Israeli government supporting that Israel ought to accept that law.

Related News:

Awaiting the Developments

[02] Celebrations Culminate on Monday Sixty Years of Remembrance

By Vivian Papastefanou

The three-day anniversary celebrations for the 60 years since the end of WWII and the defeat of Nazism and fascism culminate on Monday with the great parade at Moscows historical Red Square. Leaders from around the world will attend the celebrations, including US president George Bush and German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, while the Greek state will be represented by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, who is in Moscow since Saturday afternoon. On Monday Mr Papoulias will be honoured by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at a special ceremony in the Kremlin for his contribution in the war against the Nazis and his resistance action. Apart from Mr Papoulias, the Russian president will also honour the Presidents of Albania and Croatia, the former president of Poland Wojciech Jaruzelski and of Cyrpus Glafkos Kliridis, as well as the former king of Romania Michael Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. In the meantime, today Vladimir Putin will meet with the leaders of 12 independent Commonwealth states. The leaders of Estonia and Latvia will abstain from the celebrations, as they consider the end of the war as the beginning of Soviet domination on their countries, which lasted for 45 years. According to information, the Lithuanian president will most probably attend the anniversary. Georgia will also abstain because as per President Michael Saakashvili, Moscow has not decided to withdraw its troops from his country yet.

Events and Rallies

The US president arrived in the Netherlands today, the second stop of his five-day trip in Europe in the context of WWII festivities. George Bush met with the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Queen Beatrice and then laid a wreath at the Margraten Cemetery at the tombs of 8,000 fallen American soldiers. Thousands of Germans with lit candles celebrated the 60th anniversary since the end of WWII at the Brandenburg Gate, while 20,000 people from around the world gathered at the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, the notorious Nazi camp, to honour the victims of WWII. At the same time, 3,000 neonazis gathered in Berlin to protest for what they call "60 years of lies over the liberation," surrounded by strong police forces to avoid clashes with left demonstrators.

NPD neonazi party supporters headed towards the Brandenburg Gate, where celebrations for the "feast of democracy" are held since yesterday. Strong police forces have been deployed in Alexanderplatz and on Unter den Linden avenue leading to the Brandenburg Gate, in order to forbid their access. Earlier today, 10,000 left demonstrators protested peacefully at the heart of Berlin against neonazis. In France, president Jacques Chirac laid a wreath at the monument of the unknown soldier, while aircrafts formed the French flag. In Great Britain, Prince Charles laid a wreath in remembrance of the victims, thus opening anniversary celebrations.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

60th Anniversary Since the End of WWII

[03] Interrogations Over "Aegean Sun" Incident

By Vivian Papastefanou

Captain Stathis Stylianos and the 21-member crew on board Greek vehicle carrier Aegean Sun, which sailed into the port of Drapetsona at noon, following a Mercantile Marine Ministry order after defying another order and illegally docking at the occupied port of Ammochostos, Cyprus. The shipping company supports to have been misled by British company Euromed, which had chartered the ship, and whose representatives never mentioned they intended to transfer the cargo to occupied Cyprus. The brief is expected to be submitted to the Piraeus Public Prosecutor, who will decide on the charges to be pressed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

"Aegean Sun" in Greek Territorial Waters

[04] Suicide Attack in Kabul

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Three people were killed and another six injured during a suicide attacks against an Internet caf&#233; in Kabul, yesterday afternoon. One of the casualties was the suicide bomber and the other was an Afghan, while as per Interior Ministry spokesman Lutfullah Mashal, the third person was a UN worker from Myanmar. The blast considered one of the most popular hangouts among local students and Westerners living in Kabul.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Panathinaikos Won Third Place in Europe

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Under other circumstances, this would have been the big Euroleague final. However, it was the third place match, which gave the Greens third place after prevailing with 91-94 in the second extra period. In fact, the match was also attended by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who was in Moscow for the WWII 60th anniversary. Now back to the match, CSKA had imposed their own pace for thirty minutes but a Green counterattack provided them with victory and thus third place after two extra periods. The ten minute periods: 20-15, 42-23, 61-51, 78-78 (r.p.), 84-84 (e.p.), 91-94 (e.p.).

Well Done Panathinaikos!

The first half had CSKA written all over it. After the first five minutes, the Russians were superior and Dikoudis, Brown and Holden gave their team the lead. Up to the first twenty minutes, Dusan Ivkovic's team were throwing a party and the first half ended in favour of the home team with 42-23.

In the third period things were more or less the same. Panathinaikos could not help themselves and CSKA had an easy play. However, Zeljko Obradovic's players changed the match around at the fourth period. The 61-51 score in favour of the Russians changed to 61-61 when Kutluay nailed a three pointer in the 33'. As it turned out, both teams were eager enough to fight all the way up to third place. PAO and CSKA were neck and neck, but finally Batiste scored five consecutive points and now Panathinaikos had taken the lead (73-78). However, Brown managed to nail a three pointer which gave CSKA a chance, then Holden stole the ball and fed Papaloukas for a dunk with 10.8 seconds. Diamantidis missed a last-chance shot and the game went to overtime with 78-78. The outcome came down to the second extra period, when Lakovic missed a free shot, Diamantidis stepped up with a critical steal which turned into a basket-plus-foul with 10.8 seconds to go. Monya and Batiste followed with 1 of 2 apiece from the line, while Zakhar Pashutin missed the game-tying three, allowing Panathinaikos to escape with an incredible 91-94 comeback win!

CSKA: Papaloukas 6, Brown 21, Panov, Andersen 14, Dikoudis 17, Holden 10, Pachoutine, Monya 3, Muursepp 3, Savrasenko 6, Granger 11

PANATHINAIKOS: Alvertis 5, Kalaitzis, Papanikolaou, Lakovic 15, Batiste 28, Femerling, Chatzivrettas, Tsartsaris 7, Diamantidis 15, Sakota 5, Kutluay 19, Baxter

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Fascinating Iraklis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Iraklis were better all along and unleashed their fury against Kallithea prevailing with 5-1. At the same time, they are still having hopes of competing in the UEFA cup next season. Fortuzzi in 45' and 64', Epale in the 73', Bakircioglou in the 81' and Papastefanou in the 88' scored for the home team, while Kallithea had temporarily reduced the score to 3-1 with Tsigkas.

Getting Off to a Good Start

Takis Lemonis lined up his team with defensive orientations and so Iraklis had possession of the ball from the beginning, which allowed them to apply pressure on Kallithea. Without many significant attempts in the first half, they managed to open the score in extra time with Fortuzzi, after Epale's pass. This goal changed the attitude of both teams and made fans go wild with enthusiasm in combination to the news of claiming the volleyball championship title.

In the rerun, the home team unleashed their fury and doubled their goals in the 64' following Epale's assist. Epale scored the third goal in the 73' after Keyta's pass, but two minutes later Kallithea reduced the score to 3-1 with Tsigkas kic. However, the Athenian failed to do more. In the 81' Bakircioglou and Karatzas went after the ball, which landed on Bartzokas' nets and was probably an own goal, while in the 88' Papapostolou formed the final 5-1.

Referee: Mazarakos (Arta)

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Stefanis, Snaucner, Katsabis, Segiri, Poursanidis, Keyta, Epale (80' Bakircioglou), Fortuzzi (67' P. Kapetanos), Papapostolou, Lagos (86' Diamantidis)

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Dragisevic, Vokolos, Angelopoulos (71' Tsigkas), Karatzas, Tzorbatzakis, Telsinki (46' Wanga), Kyriakos, Savvidis (87' Gontzos), Alexandris, Koutsospyros

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Greek Championship: Anyones Game

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Although Malezanis team managed to remain at the top of the Greek football championship rankings with todays draw against PAOK, it is just one point ahead of Olympiacos and two ahead of AEK. It was a fairly even game, while the scorers were Papadopoulos in the 23 and Salpiggidis in the 25.

Equal in all Respects

It was a fairly good game and both teams played well. The ball kept moving around the pitch, but only a few opportunities to score arose for either side. In Touba Stadium, packed with 20,000 PAOK fans, Panathinaikos was the one to score the first goal. After an excellent through ball by Fanis Gekas to Dimitris Papadopoulos, the latter approached Tochouroglous nets and kicked the goal, giving his team the lead. But even before the celebrations came to an end, PAOK came back with the equaliser. Just two minutes later, and as Panathinaikos loosened its defence, Theodoridis kicked to Salpiggidis inside the box, who tied the score at one all.

In the second half, both teams tried hard for the victory. Once again within a span of two minutes, Panathinaikos and PAOK lost a golden opportunity each to take the lead. In the 71, Munch centered the ball to Papadopoulos, but his strong header hit Tochouroglous crossbar. Two minutes later, Giasemis scissor-kick inside Panathinaikos box was successfully blocked by Galinovic on the line. The visitors had also lost another opportunity in the 58, when Gonzales kicked to Munch, who in turn centered the ball, but neither Konstantinou nor Gekas were able to receive the kick. During added time, Panathinaikos hit the post a second time when Goumas went for a goal cashing in on the home teams temporary confusion in the defence. So eventually, the teams stayed at 1-1 after the final whistle.

Referee: Briakos

Yellow Cards: Salpiggidis, Megahead, Charalambidis, Maladenis, Karadimos

PAOK: Tochouroglou, Egomitis, Udeze, Karypidis, Karadimos, Megahead (75 Andralas), Maladenis, Fuccini, Theodoridis (85 Spacic), Mieciel (678 Giasemi), Salpiggidis

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Kotsios, Goumas, Morris, Munch, Charalambidis, (59 Wooter), Basinas, Gonzales, Papadopoulos, Konstantinou, Gekas (70 Olisadebe)

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Aris Facing Relegation

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Although taking the lead with Sanjurjo's goal, Aris failed to claim victory in Nea Smirni and tied with Panionios (1-1). The Thessalonikan team have now thrown themselves in new adventures, as in combination to Kalamarias' victory against Chalkidona, are two points behind Apollo and in immediate danger of relegation. Will they be the third team to follow Ergotelis and Kerkyra to B National? We'll have to wait and see

One Goal for Each Half Time

The match was not good in the first half time since both teams had focused on defense and offense came in second place. The first good moment was in the 23' when Breska centered, Goundoulakis kicked the ball and Pourliotopoulos saved it. As for Aris, in one of their few attempts in the 38', managed to open the score. After Nebegleras' pass, Sanjurjo sent the ball into Strakosia's nets with ease and a strong kick.

In the rerun, Panionios applied more pressure and finally it paid off. It was in the 69', when Breska tied to 1-1 with an amazing shot. As soon as Aris players found out that Kalamaria were ahead in score with 3-2, they speeded up and were after a second goal, which however never came.

Referee: Dabosis (Pieria)

No Yellow Cards

PANIONIOS: Strakosia, Vlcek, Maniatis (56' Dommoro), Smilianic, Makos, Tsiolis (46' Mantzios),Tziolis, Galanopoulos, Goundoulakis (63' Zimonic), Breska, Nalitzis

ARIS: Pourliotopoulos, Naindos, Papadopoulos, Gogolos, Kallimanis, Murawski, Passalis, Nebegleras, Sanjurjo, Kuemaha, Beniskos (58' Lazanas)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Going After the Title

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Without having a hard time, Olympiacos prevailed over Kerkyra and in combination to Panathinaikos' draw and AEK's defeat, managed to climb to second place and enjoy it alone. The Reds were superior all along and easily reached fair prevalence. Castillo in the 26', Georgatos in the 42' and Okkas in the 68' scored the three goals of the match.

Better Play

Olympiacos were better throughout the match and could have scored even more goals if they were a bit more careful in finishing their efforts. Castillo opened the score in the 26' when Georgatos made a strong kick, Gkitkos temporarily saved the ball and Castillo scored all alone against an empty post. The Reds kept applying pressure and doubled their goals in the 42'. With a strong kick, amazing Georgatos left no room for reaction and defeated the home team's goalkeeper. However, two minutes later Kerkyra scored their unique goal, thus reducing the difference to 1-2 and that was their only break in the match. After a corner kick, Sfakianakis passed to Fofonka with a header, who defeated Nikopolidis with one more header.

In the rerun, Olympiacos scored their third goal and ensured victory. It was in the 68', when Georgiou and Gkitkos had a terrible misunderstanding which cost them dearly, and Okkas scored thus forming the final 1-3.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Ribeiro

ÊÅRÊÕRÁ: Gkitkos, Petras, Georgiou, Sfakianakis, Ribeiro (65' Gitas), Braga, Antoniou, Buganem, Niniadis (46' Garozis), Fofonka (76' Kantas)

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis, Kostoulas, Pantos, Anatolakis, Georgatos, Castillo, Taralidis, Maric (64' Kafes), Djordjevic, Okkas

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] One Was Enough

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A megaton bomb exploded tonight in OAKA, where Ionikos claimed victory with 0-1 against AEK and limited their hopes of claiming the title and competing in the Champions League. Antonis Natsouras' first goal for the season four minutes before the end ensured Ionikos stay in A National and gave the chill to more than 45,000 AEK fans who had filled the Olympic Stadium stands. What is more, this was AEK's first defeat on home grounds in the championship.

Blast Four Minutes Before the End

AEK entered the pitch with attitude and created some good scoring chances before Simitras' post but failed to open the score. Lymberopoulos and Soares had two good chances each in the first 20 minutes, but they didn't aim right and their kicks went either wide or landed right in the arms of Ionikos' goalkeeper.

The guests threatened in the 28' with Gavrilopoulos, who forced Chiotis to save the ball with difficulty, while in the 43' AEK came close to scoring. Soares and Simitras tried to claim the ball after Ivic' foul kick, which landed on Lymberopoulos' feet; however the latter's kick stopped on the post.

Santos called Kostas Katsouranis and Sotiris Konstantinidis to arms in the second half. Still, Ionikos were the first to come close to opening the score in the 61', when Koybra's header went wide. AEK answered back in the 72' when Lymberopoulos passed the ball to Soares with a header but Simitras kept his post unharmed. The Cypriot goalkeeper was also present in the 80', neutralizing one more of Soares' attempts.

And while AEK were maintaining control of the match, a counterattack in the 86' would prove to be fatal and throw them in third and disadvantageous place both for claiming the title and competing in the Champions League. Gutman won the duel against Morras and smartly passed to Natsouras. From the area the latter calmly kicked the ball and gave his team a great and truly unexpected victory.

Referee: Vasileiou (Ilia)

Yellow Cards: Krassas-Natsouras, Makor

ÁÅÊ: Chiotis, Kontis, Morras, Kostenoglou, Georgeas, Assunsao, Ivic (46' Katsouranis), Petkov (46' Konstantinidis), Krassas (75' Russev), Soares, Lymberopoulos

ÉOÍÉÊÏS: Simitras, Ofridopoulos, Isa, Vourexakis, Natsouras, Kendal, Tsiblidis (70' Zivkovic), Gutman, Rokas (83' Kotitsas), Koybra (64' Makor), Gavrilopoulos

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article