The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Olympiacos Wins Greek Cup

By Stathis Petropoulos

Olympiacos took its first step towards conquering two titles in four days, since it defeated Aris in the final in Patras and was crowned Greek Cup winner for this season. The Piraeus club won by 3-0, with a successful penalty by Djordjevic, an excellent kick by Rivaldo and a great collaboration between Rivaldo, Giovanni and Djordjevic, which resulted in the latter scoring the third goal of the match. All the goals were scored during the second half, since, despite its superiority, Olympiacos did not manage to find its way to the nets in the first half. The match was marred by a few minor incidents right before the game, but everything quieted down soon and the final began with a ten-minute delay.

All Equal in First Half

The first half did not offer much excitement, but both finalists put up a great show. As expected, Olympiacos took control of the game, with many initiatives and great moments, however, despite the fact that Aris wanted to keep its nets goalless in the defence, it played offensively and even had an opportunity to score. In the 33, Kallimanis was practically by himself inside the box, but the experienced Nikopolidis managed to block his opponents kick. To be precise, Olympiacos did not have a chance to score in the first half, since all its efforts in the offence were being stopped short, either due to wrong choices or because of Aris defence. An amazing free-kick by Taralidis in the 13 was cleared away by Pourliotopoulos, while in the 44, Rivaldo kicked to Georgatos, who did not cash in on the opportunity to score.

Missed its Chance

The most exciting moment of the match came after the first five minutes of the second half and it was not for Olympiacos. Beniskos came face-to-face with Nikoplodis, but the goalkeeper blocked the kick. Bajevic immediately went ahead with two substitutions, turning the match around within minutes. Djordjevic kicked to Giovanni, but the Brazilian was overturned by Koltsidas, so referee Kasnaferis awarded Olympiacos a penalty. The team captain found the mark, changing the momentum of the game, with Olympiacos taking full control of the match.

Opportunities all Around

From that point onwards Olympiacos charged ahead, with numerous chances to score, most of them unsuccessful, though. In the 64, Pampelloponnisiako Stadium was enchanted by the Brazilians magic moves. Djordevic, Giovanni, Rivaldo and Castillo kept passing the ball, but the Uruguayan failed dismally. However, in the 70, Rivaldo put his seal, not just on the final, but on the whole Cup event, as he scored one of the best goals of the season. The final 3-0 result was achieved in the 89, when Djordevic, after an amazing combination between Rivaldo and Giovanni, scored the third goal. Just before that, in the 86, Georgatos missed another chance to score, while in the 88, Castillo was once again unsuccessful.

Referee: Kasnaferis (Argolida) Yellow Cards: Rivaldo, Passalis, Papadopoulos

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis (50 Castillo), Pantos, Anatolakis, Kostoulas, Taralidis, Kafes (50 Giovanni), Georgatos, Okkas (84 Stoltidis), Rivaldo, Djordjevic. ARIS: Pourliotopoulos, Koltsidas, Papadopoulos, Gogolos, Naidos, Kallimanis (87 Markomichalis), Nebegleras (66 Abelas), Passalis, Kuemaha, Beniskos, Murawski (68 Sanhurho).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] She Had a Lump Removed All is Well for Kylie

By Stathis Petropoulos

Sources: NET, BBC

On Friday, Australian singer Kylie Minogue, who last week announced that she had breast cancer, underwent surgery to have a lump removed from her breast. As per her attending physician Jenny Senior, who operated on the 37-year-old singer, the surgery, which was performed in a Melbourne hospital, went very well and Kylie is recovering, having her friends and relatives by her side. Her doctor also stressed that Kylie was optimistic and is feeling well, while she described the singer as a "perfect patient". Furthermore, Kylies doctor declared she was optimistic that the diagnosis and the removal of the lump were done on time, and now the Australian star will fully recover.

Wishes from Thousands of Fans

Kylie Minogue made her debut in the entertainment world when she was still a teenager, starring in an Australian soap opera. Through the years, the developed into a super-star of the international music scene, with millions of fans around the world, who are standing by her through this ordeal, sending their best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Kylie Faces Serious Health Problem

[03] Warm Welcome by Expatriate Greeks Greek PM in Boston

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis is in Boston, where he visited the classical antiquities department at the Fine Arts Museum. Tomorrow he will be the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony at Tufts University, from where he received his degree, while later on he will be proclaimed honorary professor of Law. Upon arriving at Boston airport, where he was greeted by the Governor of Massachusetts, the Archbishop of America, Demetrios, and dozens of expatriate Greeks, he spoke warmly of the Greek-American community. As he said, the common cultural heritage enhances the will to collaborate and promote the mutual aims in the areas of education, scientific progress and technological innovation. Yesterday, following his meeting with US President George Bush in the White House, the Greek PM sent a double message to Skopje and Ankara, referring to their stance so far. Concerning the bilateral relations between Greek and the USA, the PM spoke of the excellent climate, while President Bush spoke of a strategic partnership between Greece and the USA in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Interview on CNN

In the meantime, before departing Washington DC, Mr Karamanlis gave an interview to CNN host Wolf Blitzer. In his introduction, the American journalist described Greece as an important key-ally for the USA, from the Balkans to Afghanistan, while he referred to the Greek PMs meeting with the US president. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the anti-American phenomenon, the developments in Iraq and Afghanistan and the collaboration between Greece and the USA. After that, the PM gave an interview to CNN International.

Reactions from KKE and SYN

On the occasion of the Karamanlis-Bush meeting, KKE stressed, "The strategic partnership between the USA and Greece signals that our country [Greece] will form a significant factor in realizing anti-populist plans in the area."

On his part, member of SYN political Secretariat Panos Trigazis described the messages coming from Washington as alarming.

"NDs government choice to move towards more Atlantic-friendly stances in foreign policy is being confirmed; a fact that hinders it from adopting a European peace-friendly policy. We are concerned, because this means that the Greece will be assuming new roles in the context of American plans for the wider area of the Balkans and the Middle East," declared Mr Trigazis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Strategic Partnership

[04] 3.6% Lead over PASOK ND is Ahead in New Poll

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A new national opinion poll conducted by RASS on behalf of Sunday newspaper To Paron gives New Democracy a 3.6% lead over PASOK. Specifically, in the intention to vote, ND received 32.9%, PASOK 29.3%, KKE 6.3%, SYN 3.0% and LAOS 3.7%. Furthermore, 49% of those asked believed that ND would win the elections if they were held today, as opposed to 30.3% for PASOK. Finally, Kostas Karamanlis appeared as most suitable for Prime Minister with 45.2%, compared to 30.7% for George Papandreou.

High Prices and Unemployment Major Problems

Compared to the rest of the political leaders, Kostas Karamanlis was viewed positively by 61.3%, followed by 48.2% for George Papandreou, 28.6% for Aleka Papariga, 28.3% for Giorgos Karatzaferis and 24.8% for Alekos Alavanos.

In addition, as per the opinion poll, the most significant problems faced by the Government include the economy, unemployment and high prices, followed by education, health, social policy, corruption and national matters.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] For the Anniversary of the Heptanese Union G. Papandreou in Cephalonia

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

PASOK President George Papandreou has been on the island of Cephanlonia since last night, where he attended the anniversary celebrations since the unification of the Heptanese to Greece. Mr Papandreou stressed that the fights of the people back then still apply today, in order to build a strong Greece both in Europe and around the world. The leader of the Opposition also wished good luck to all the students sitting for the national exams. He actually mentioned the coincidence that the exams commence on the same day as the anniversary of the Heptanese union. "This might be a chance coincidence, but it is significant and symbolic, since the radicals fought for their freedom, while today the students fight for their education. It is a front where great battles need to be fought," declared the president of PASOK.

Greece Does not Need Protectors

During his visit to the Prefect Office of Cephalonia, Mr Papandreou noted that nowadays, the fights for freedom and democracy are very different from those of the past, stressing that these days "it is a fight of competition and a fight to preserve tradition and participation; equal participation at an international level."

"This fight and this freedom can only be won when we invest on people, education and culture. It is a new priority in order to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy and feel that Greece and its people are solely responsible for their future," he declared, while stressing, "Greece wants to and can be a country without protectors and without supervisors; free and democratic."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Drug Lab Uncovered in Vyronas

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Drug Squad officers arrested the son of Georgios Roupakias, the manager of Deputy Minister Apostolos Andreoulakos political office. The man is accused of making synthetic drugs in pills and powder form. Themis Roupakis was arrested yesterday in Paleo Faliro, Athens, along with a Russian couple. The three were trafficking drugs in hotels and clubs of the southern suburbs. The drug squad also uncovered a laboratory on 18 Vsoporos Street, Vyronas, in the basement of a three-storey building, where the Roupakias family is residing. The police was assisted by prosecutors, chemists and firemen when they stormed the building, while this is the first time ever that an illegal drug lab is discovered in a basement.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] 27 Missing Tragedy in the Andes

By Anna Kourti

The President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, declared three days of mourning after a military tragedy in the Andes. Rescue crews continue their search for the third day, in order to find any survivors on the frozen mountains. As per official sources, the bodies of 14 soldiers have been found, while 27 are still missing. The death toll includes the five bodies that were recovered earlier. "There are slim chances of finding them alive," stated General Juan Emilio Cheyre, the Chilean Army Commander in Chief. Relatives of the dead and the missing accuse the army of sending new recruits to a military exercise, knowing bad weather was imminent. A public prosecutor has already ordered a preliminary hearing.

"Snow Tsunami"

The Chilean Army Commanded in Chief described the conditions under which the soldiers were trapped as a "snow tsunami."

The conditions of heavy snowfall and windstorm are described as a "white wind." The rest of the 433 soldiers participating in the exercise were rescued, as per the Commander, although some have suffered frostbite.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] With 172 Passengers on Board Adventure in the Skies

By Anna Kourti

A Japanese Airlines plane with 172 passengers on board had to make an emergency landing, after one of its engines malfunctioned. As per information from the Itami airport, Osaka, the landing was successful and no one was injured. The McDonnel Douglas MD-90 type airplane had lifted off earlier from the Itami airport bound for Nagasaki. "Ten minutes after liftoff, the pilot realized there was a problem with the right engine and had to turn it off. The plane made a turn with only one engine working and half an hour later it returned and landed at Osakas airport," stressed the same sources.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] 5.3 Magnitude Quake in North Japan

By Anna Kourti

A quake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale was reported on Saturday morning in North Japan. As per the first information, there are no reports on victims or damages. What is more, authorities have not issued a tsunami warning. The quake occurred at 07:01 local time (01:01 Greek time) in the area of the Miyaki province, 350km north of Tokyo, said the Japanese meteorological service. The epicenter of the tremor was located 20km under the sea bed. Japan is located above the junction of tectonic plates and strong earthquakes are a usual phenomenon.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] "No Meeting Has Been Set" Sharon Refuted Meeting With Abbas

By Anna Kourti

Israel refuted allegations that Pm Ariel Sharon will meet with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on June 7. David Baker, Sharons spokesperson, said that the "Prime Ministers office is interested in holding such a meeting, but no meeting has been set for the date in question or any other date for that matter." Earlier, Mr Abbas had announced he would meet with the Israeli PM Ariel Sharon on June 7. In the meeting he had with Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak at the Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh, Abbas said "we are asking Israel to implement the February 8 agreements of Sharm el Sheikh and this demand will be the focus of my discussion with Sharon on June 7."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Despite the Government's Efforts The Dutch Say "No" to Euro Constitution

By Despina Hristopoulou

A new opinion poll that was made public today gives a significant lead to the "no" vote, just under two weeks before the crucial referendum for the European Constitution in the Netherlands and despite the Dutch governments intense campaign in favour of "yes". As per this opinion poll, which was conducted by the Maurice de Hond institute on a sample of 2,500 people, 60% of the voters seems determined to vote "no", while 40% are in favour of "yes". As a matter of fact, 59% of the people asked believe that the governments campaign for "yes" had a negative impact. As per yesterdays opinion poll by NSS-Interview, the "no" vote is in the lead by 63%, as opposed to 37% for "yes". However, yesterday for the first time, Christian-Democrat PM Jan Peter Balkenende and his governments two Vice-Presidents, Gerrit Zalm and Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, appeared together on a TV show to support the "yes" vote.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] To Facilitate Talks with the EU "Main Shareholder" Postponed

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Today, Greek Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos submitted an amendment in Parliament, whereby the implementation of the Main Shareholder act will be postponed until 31 October 2005. This delay aims at facilitating talks with the EU, so that a common solution can be found. Initially Law 3320, ie the Main shareholder act, was to be implemented as of 14 June. It has been clarified, however, that the provisions of the act that relate to the restructuring of the Greek National Council for Radio and Television and the extension of operational licences for Attica radio stations are excluded from this delay, as they do not affect talks with the relevant EU bodies.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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