The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Luther Vandross Passed Away

By Tina Valaoura

His warm voice had accompanied many fluttering hearts of his generation, but his own soulful heart did not make it. Soul legend Luther Vandross died yesterday at the age of 54, in a New Jersey Hospital. The Grammy awarded American singer and lyricist, known for his unique performances in romantic soul songs had many misadventures with his health, since he suffered from diabetes and hypertension, while in April 2003 he suffered a stroke, which he did not fully recover from. The causes of his death were not made known, however his family announced that he passed away quietly in the arms of his close family members.

R&B Scene Loses Star

Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born in New York in 1951. His talent was introduced to a broader audience by David Bowie in the mid 70s, who after their collaboration in the album "Young Americans" became a support artist in a series of concerts. This was the beginning of a great career that began with "Never Too Much" a no 1 in the U.S. R&B chart and continued with awarded hits such as "Any Love," "Here and Now" and "Power of Love/Love Power," among a wide variety of collaborations with great names of the music scene.

His latest album was entitled "Dance With My Father," which was released after his stroke. Even if did not make any public promotion appearances, the self titled song followed its own course to the no 1 of the U.S. charts and made him the recipient of four Grammy Awards in 2004.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] "Human Bomb" in Iraqi Base

By Tina Valaoura

A new attack by a kamikaze strapped with explosives occurred this morning in the heart of Baghdad. At least 17 people, among them the bomber, were killed, while another 20 were injured when the bomber blew himself up in a crowd of men waiting outside the recruit office of the Ministry of Interior, in the area of Yarmuk, in western Baghdad. This is the bloodiest attack of the past six days in the country. According to a spokesperson of the Ministry, most of the victims were recruits of the special commando force of the police.

The aforementioned Special Forces have an active part in the suppression of the Iraqi uprising, while its members have become a target in the past. Specifically, the recruit centers, where often long queues of aspiring recruits are formed, is a frequent target of the Sunni rebels that oppose the pro-American Shiite-Kurdish government of Iraq.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] No Reports of Victims 6.7 Earthquake in Nicaragua

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale shook Nicaragua and Costa Rica in the early hours of Friday (early hours of Saturday, Greek time). According to the U.S. Geological Survey its epicentre was located near the southern coast of Nicaragua, in the Pacific Ocean, while it lasted around 30 seconds. Up to this moment as a rescue service source stated to Reuters there have been no reports of victims or serious damage. The earthquake was also felt in northern Costa Rica without any victims reported.

Japan Shaken by Quake

During the early hours of Saturday, a 5.5 earthquake also occurred in Japan in the area of Tohoku, in northwest Japan that did not cause any damage, while a tsunami warning was not issued.

Due to Japan being positioned in the junction of four tectonic plates, many earthquakes usually strike the country every year. Yearly, 20% of the strongest earthquakes take place in the ocean.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] A Great Collection of Medals

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The medals came from track and field, judo and basketball. The gold medal was won by the Athens Olympian Ilias Iliadis in the 90kg judo wining Egyptian Mesbah in the final. The following were from track and field with Dimitra Ntova in 400m finishing first 52.67, leaving behind French Phara Anacharsis 52.70, and Albanian Klidiana Shala 52.23. The second medal for Greece came once again from track and field and specifically in the mens hammer throw. Alexandros Papadimitriou made a throw 75.57 in his fourth attempt and received silver. The gold was won by Turk Esref Apak with 77.88, and bronze by French Nicola Figere with 75.30. The third medal came from pole vault. The champion of Panellinios Kostas Filippidis won first place with 5.60, followed by French Pierre Charles Peuf 5.55, and bronze by French Jerome Clavier also with 5.55. The fourth gold and fifth in total, was received by Angeliki Tsiolakoudi in the javelin throw 62.61m thus achieving a new record. The silver was won by Italian Zhara Bani with 62.36, and gold by Spaniard Mercedes Chilla with 57.69.

Silver and Bronze

The silver medal came from the Greek National Basketball team. The players after an exciting game lost to Italy, which in dead time scored the victorious point, thus receiving first place. In closing, the bronze medal came from triple jump. Silver Olympian Chrysopigi Devetzi conquered third place with a 14.33m jump. The gold medal was won by Algerian Baya Rahouli with 14.98, and the silver by Spaniard Carlota Castrejana

More Results

In the rest of the days games, the Mediterranean womens Volleyball team qualified in the final round since it defeated Italy by 3.1 in the first semifinal of the event. Thus, the Greek team ensured a silver medal and will play for the gold tomorrow at 22:00 against the winner of the game between Turkey and Croatia, which will take place later.

In handball, the mens team was defeated by France 30-27 (half time 15-12) and ranked 8th in the Mediterranean Games in Almeria. The Greek team returns to Greece without a victorious feeling since its lost four of the games in the event.

In womens basketball, the Greek team received fourth place, since in the third-place final it lost by Spain 68-51. In water polo, the mens team was beat 12-4 by Italy in the context of the third and last day of the preliminary stage. The team of Tassos Doumpas will not play in the semifinals and it will possibly fight for 5th place against France. The goals for the Greek team were scored by Miteloudis, Fountoulis, Stellatos and Doulos.

The mens volleyball team will fight for 7th place. The Greek team was defeated by France 3-0, in a 74 minute game for places 5-8, while on Sunday it will face the loser of the game between Italy and Turkey for places 7-8.

In judo, Alexia Kourtelesi received 7th place in the Mediterranean tournament. On the other hand, Vasilis Iliadis departed the games with two defeats.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] They "Send" Benza to Olympiacos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

As per German Press and websites of Hamburg, Olympiacos coach favours Benza as for the teams offensive line. It is pointed out the Greek team has already submitted a proposal, a piece of news confirmed by the 27-year-old Belgian striker. "I am well aware of Olympiacos interest, and my agent has already come in contact. I will start my training with my team. I want to continue playing for Hamburg, but nothing ca be ruled out, only time will show where I will continue my career, " said Benza.

Translated by Areti Christou

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