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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Dozens of MAZDA RX-8s Recalled

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Two types of MAZDA RX-8 vehicles are being recalled in Greece due to possible malfunctioning on the specific models. In the first case, concerning 408 vehicles produced between 28/7/2003 and 1/7/2005, if certain passenger vehicles are parked and the engine is operated at high rpms for an excessive length of time, some of the parts around the exhaust system can melt. The excessive heat build-up can cause problems ranging from inoperative oxygen sensor, neutral switch and back up lights, problems with the parking brakes, malfunctions of the gas gauge and/or possible fuel leaks. In the second case, concerning 240 cars produced from 28/7/2003 to 27/12/2003, on certain passenger vehicles, due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket. As a consequence, in severe driving conditions, the ball may separate from the ball joint socket and a loss of steering may occur, which could result in a crash.

MAZDA's official importer in Greece, ELMA AEVEA, informed the General Secretariat for the Consumer, as well as the owners of the aforementioned vehicles, of the possible problems in writing. Meanwhile the company also sent technical information on the repair of the problems to all its dealers. It should be noted that the owners of the specific models will not be charged for the cost of repairs or parts, since the expenses will be fully paid by Mazda Motor Corporation.

Consumers can contact ELMA's Customer Service Department on +30210 5156057, +30210 5156047 and +30210 5156029 for further information.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Return Has Been Delayed by One Day Suspense for Discovery Prolonged

By Despina Hristopoulou

NASA has prolonged the suspense for the return of Discovery by one day. As per the US Space Agency, the space shuttles return will be delayed by 24 hours due to the bad weather conditions, including possible severe thunderstorms and low-lying clouds over Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will be landing. So the 7-member crew will have to wait one more day before setting foot on Earth once again, after 13 days in space. Discovery will be travelling at 25 times the speed of sound upon re-entry. "Were looking forward to coming home," Discovery commander Eileen Collins told mission control in Houston, Texas, a little after NASA gave the order for the delay. She also added that they will be thinking of Columbia, but they will stay very focused on the job at hand. Initially, NASA had announced that Discoverys return would be delayed by 90 minutes.

The Toughest Moment

Re-entry to the Earths atmosphere will be the hardest part of the return trip, since very high temperatures will be reached. The shuttle is equipped with a heat shield; however, Discovery experienced some technical faults during lift-off, since parts of the thermal tiles fell off. The astronauts repaired the shuttle in space.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Heading Home

[03] No Water on Aegina

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

The problems with water shortages on the island of Aegina are continuing, especially after the hitches detected when private companies were in charge of the water supply. The Navy water carriers Stymphalia and Doirani transferred water to the island on the weekend by temporary order of Deputy Defence Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos. The local Municipal Council is convening this morning, while the inhabitants and other bodies have scheduled a protest rally outside the Town Hall. However, Aeginas Deputy Mayor, Christos Labadarios, declared this morning on radio station NET 105.8 that the Navy is just a temporary solution. "We need 10,000 tons of water daily, while the water carriers only brought 900 tons," he added.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Agioi Anargyroi Station Used as Alternative Peloponnese Train Station Closed

By Despina Hristopoulou

The Peloponnese Train Station will remain closed as of today, so passengers will have to use the Agioi Anargyroi station as an alternative, since the trains to and from the Peloponnese will depart and arrive there. The train station had to close down as construction works on the Piraeus-Athens-Tris Gefyres-SKA-Aharnai-Ano Liosia part of the Suburban Railway commenced as of today. Passengers can get to Agioi Anargyroi station by a number of buses, specifically Nos: Á12, Â12, Ã12, ×12, 420, 421, 892, 701, 704, 717 and 747. For further information, passengers can contact OSEs call centre on 1110.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] State Dept Keeps its Distances Americans in Occupied Cyprus Today

By Despina Hristopoulou

A plane carrying employees of American politicians is expected to arrive in Tymbou airport today. Cypriot Foreign Minister Giorgos Iakovou played down the visit, claiming that even the US State Department is keeping its distances. In addition, Mr Iakovou declared that the illegal visit is not even a matter of Congress, since none of its members are participating in it. The name of the airline has not been revealed, while according to the Minister, it would not be a direct flight to occupied Cyprus, but a transit from Turkey. He also added that only employees of Congressional members and their families are expected to arrive, as they were offered free holidays by a Turkish lobby in the USA.

Keeping Silent

As per Mr Iakovou, the Cypriot Government reacted to the news, but the organisers of such visits make the prospective travellers swear on the Koran that they would not reveal anything, so Cyprus does not know who actually organises the tours.

The only information they have is that the US Embassy in Nicosia would not be providing any administrative assistance to the visitors.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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Cyprus Discontent over the Visit

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