The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Destination Top

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Based on their positive mental state after prevailing over Israel, the Greek basketball team are getting ready for the big game against Russia. Victory is a one-way street and it seems that all Greek players feel that way. They also know Russia is not Israel, nor Bosnia. Tomorrows opponent has a long history in European basketball. And even though this fact may scare some, Greek coach Panagiotis Yannakis has his hopes up, believing his team will win and qualify to the final 4. NET will broadcast the game at 18:30 (Greek time) and may all Greeks watch it to send positive vibes to their team in this tough battle for a place in the final four.

Yannakis: "The Name Makes Us High"

In absolute calmness a few hour before the game, Head Coach Panagiotis Yannakis spoke of his players' mental state, giving answers to almost all questions concerning basketball fans.

"Secretly, the name of each opponent affects us differently. As a result, I expect us to play better," said Yannakis today in a Press conference to Greek reporters, removing any doubts. "A team that knows how to win when it is not performing well, will surely go far."

He also referred to the problem of the offensive line, which has been criticised over and over again in the past few days, stressing, "If you have been watching the games from the beginning, we can surely understand that all teams have offensive problems, not just Russia. This problem stems from the pressure of the result. We simply try to prolong the time we have solutions in the offence."

"I think the problems in the offence emerge from my players' hesitance. Because of it, the player possessing the ball keeps it in his hands longer than necessary and the ones who don't have it are just standing, instead of running. A great opponent, such as Russua, will help us play well. I have faith in these kids' talent. We can go even further," repeated Panagiotis Yannakis.

"Russia are a very sportive team. They like to run and they surprise their opponents, causing them defensive problems."

As for Dimos Dikoudis, he explained, "It is true Dikoudis has not found his pace yet."

Moving on, Yannakis did not go into technical details on how to play against Russia. "The key is to control Russia's pace. As for us, we need to put the good of our team above our egos. This will all contribute to playing better and having the desirable results. This team has potential and talent. This national team needs patience and faith."

Lastly, Greek Head Coach Panagiotis Yannakis underlined, "You should not focus on the ups and downs of the team. Ups and downs are a fact for all teams in this Eurobasket. Teams like Serbia and Italu did not make it in the final 8 because of these ups and downs. In their last game, the Ukrainians where only three points behind 2.50' before the end and they are out. We are here."

"We Still Haven't Showed Who We Are"

Regarding the players, they all feel they can make it to the top. "We still havent showed who we are. The time has come against Russia."

Nikos Chatzivrettas, Nikos Zisis, Kostas Tsartsaris and Vassilis Spanoulis admitted they haven't played very good basketball. However, they did promise to win.

Chatzivrettas: "This team has the potential to play better basketball. We need to focus and give the best of us on Thursday. We need a great victory. The game will come down to the last points. We should not fear the Russian. They are a good team, but we can do this. We can win."

Nikos Zisis: "Now that Serbia is out, all the other teams have more courage to go after a medal. Five of the eight teams can win the gold. Russia is a team of big bodies. They are hard to beat. Our coaches will tell us how to play against them. There are no favourites in this game. However, there is stress. You win, you qualify; you lose, you're out of the final four. Two victories and you get a medal. We can play better, both in defence and offence. We can stop the Russians' fast pace."

Kostas Tsartsaris: "Our team does not lack players. Kirilenko is not the player to defeat us on his own. We too have the proper players to stop him. Our answer to Russia is that we have a complete team. If we control our opponent's pace, then the odds will be on our side."

Lastly, Vassilis Spanoulis added, "With this match, we want to get rid of the curse of not making it past the quarterfinal. If we are in a better mood, more passionate and of course luckier, we can win."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Satisfaction in Athens and Nicosia Final "Yes" to Counterstatement

By Vicky Keleri

The text of the European counterstatement to Turkey's denial to recognise Cyprus has received the typical approval of the Permanent Representatives Committee. Greece and Nicosia voiced their satisfaction, as the text underlined Ankara's obligation to recognise each and all Member-States during its accession negotiations. Government Spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos spoke of a "significant ending after a long, hard and painful process." At the same time, his Cypriot counterpart Kypros Chrisostomidis underlined, "there are no excuses for any efforts to undermine the counterstatement, since it includes commitments for Turkey." In the meantime, tough negotiations for the context of accession talks between the 25 and Ankara are expected to continue in the following days. The aim is to draw up a final text before opening negotiation talks on October 3.

Criticism by Opposition

PASOK president George Papandreou criticised the government, noting, "Once more, the New Democracy Government crows over its retreat in the European-Turkish issues. Instead of fighting it until the end, it gave up in New York before the final battle."

At the same time, Opposition parliamentarian Anna Diamantopoulou said, "it is a major problem not to define a timeframe, in which the protocol should be implemented." SYN Parliamentarian Spyros Trigazis accused the Government, stressing the final result is not something to cheer over.

He also added, "The British Presidency, with its delinquent and unacceptable stance, prevented the formation of a forward statement."

Turkey Disturbed

On the other hand, Ankara is going over the counterstatement in order to proceed with an official statement on the matter. However, making a first comment on CNN Turk over Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mr Koumoutsakos' statements, his Turkish counterpart, Namik Tan, said, "There is no issue of recognition for Turkey, before solving the Cypriot issue in the context of the UN's actions."

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat said the counterstatement of the 25 is bad for the Turkish-Cypriots and was drawn up to remove their rights. He also accused the Cypriot government of political manipulations, because "although it had stated it wouldn't intervene much to the framework of negotiations, it is not trying to put its claims on paper."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Remission of Symptoms Gastro at Andravida Air Force Base

By Athina Saloustrou

The symptoms of gastroenteritis manifested yesterday afternoon in aircraftmen of the 117th combat unit at the Andravida Air Force base are showing signs of remission. As per the Air Forces spokesperson, the number of patients is 250, while other sources speak of 700. According to the experts, the outbreak was either caused by bottled water or by the food served yesterday. A panel of doctors from the 251 Air Force Hospital arrived in the area to collect samples from both the food and the bottled water in order to pinpoint the exact causes.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] At the Marovic-Papoulias Meeting Serbia's European Prospect

By Anna Kourti

The President of Serbia-Montenegro, Svetozvar Marovic, is on an official visit in Athens. At noon he met with President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias at the Presidential Mansion to discuss major issues, such as the European-Atlantic course of the Balkan countries, the future of Kossovo, bilateral relations and international developments. Both Presidents focused on Serbia-Montenegros effort to approach the Euro-Atlantic institutions. Mr Papoulias stressed, "Greece supports this course, believing that all problems can be solved in the European family, including Kossovo, which is not a Serbian but a Balkan issue. Without stability in the area, we cannot be talking of peace." He also repeated the Greek position, stating that Mathew Nimics proposal can be discussed, although it requires certain changes. On the issue of FYROMs name, Mr Marovic stressed, "Powerful people come and go. We, who remain here, need to find a viable solution for the sake of the wider area."

"Example of Friendship"

Mr Marovic voiced the need for a solution to the Kossovo problem, stressing that "such a thing can only stem from an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, without unilateral decisions or solutions imposed by third parties."

Further more, the Serbian president underlined the decisiveness of the Serbian leadership to continue its cooperation with the International Court of Justice, while he said there could be referendums in Serbia and Montenegro for the future of the Union.

Lastly, he described the relations of Greece-Serbia as an "example of friendship," elevating the beginning of negotiation talks for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU in October into a top priority issue.

"Hard Work Required"

"I believe our region comes closer and closer to reaching political and social stability," said President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias. "Hard work is required. The pace of reforms is not everywhere nor always satisfactory," underlined Mr Papoulias.

Regarding the relations between Serbia-Montenegro and Greece, he said, "after the joint historic course for centuries they have become close and unbreakable. In politics, our contacts and often and our views converge."

As for the economic relations, he underlined the have made quite some progress and the improvement of the investing climate in Serbia-Montenegro will further contribute towards that direction.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Political Council Convenes PASOK On Elections

By Athina Saloustrou

As per Thodoros Pagalos, Municipal and Prefecture elections should have strong political and party characteristics. The relevant PASOK Department Head voiced his proposals in the meeting of the Political Council of the party, which is in development, under the presidency of George Papandreou, and is discussing the strategy that should be followed in the Municipal and Prefecture elections in the fall of 2006. The President of Electoral Procedures, Alekos Papadopoulos, was called and is attending the meeting. Three members of the Committee, Christos Polyzogopoulos, Milena Apostolaki and Giorgos Panagiotakopoulos are the members of the Political Council. In the meantime, the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME) will send political organizations a questionnaire, which all members have to answer, on the profiles of candidates, and also on the selection of mayors and prefects, which were supported by PASOK.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] On The Occasion of European "Day Without Cars" Free Transport Tomorrow

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET

Passengers will travel for free in Public Means of Transport from 05:00 to 17:00, due to the celebration of "Day Without Cars" throughout Europe. Minister of Transport Michalis Liapis announced the above, during his visit in the trolley busses (ILPAP) depot. The area hosts a mural entitled "Smart and combined transports for a viable city," urging the citizens to use city transport. Mr Liapis stated that the European "Day Without Cars" has become an international institution, and added that it is an excellent opportunity for promoting the message for the use of Public Means of Transport. At the same time, it is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Furthermore, he stated that the government is determined to take all necessary measures in making Transport Means more attractive and safe for passengers. Actually, he described the target of the total of transport, with Public Means of Transport to reach 50% ,as realistic and attainable.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Meeting With President of Republic Tomorrow Karamanlis-Bartholomew Meeting

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Today, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Prime Minister, in Maximos Mansion. In the ceremonial meeting between the two men, the issue of the Jerusalem Patriarchate was discussed, and as per sources, Mr Bartholomew appeared satisfied over the outcome of the developments. In the meantime, he expressed his sorrow of not meeting the Pope in Phanar, but voiced his optimism that this will take place during the formal visit of the Pontiff in Turkey, in 2006. Following, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with former President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos, and attended a banquet hosted in his honour by Archbishop Christodoulos. In the evening, in a special ceremony, Mr Bartholomew will be proclaimed Doctor of Panteios University. On Thursday at noon, the Primus of Orthodoxy will be welcomed by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias. In the afternoon, he will meet with President of PASOK George Papandreou and later on attend a celebration organised in his honour by the Athens Attorneys Association, in the building of the Old Parliament.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Triumphantly Re-Elected Koizumi PM of Japan

By Athina Saloustrou

Today, the Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi, was triumphantly re-elected during a special session of Parliament, after the crushing win of his party in the September 11 elections. 63-year-old Koizumi, who was first elected PM on April 2001, was voted for by 340 MPs, and against by 114. Before the Parliaments session, the members of the outgoing Cabinet had submitted their resignations, however, within the day are expected to take up their duties once again, since Koizumi noted that the formation of the government will not change. The aim of the Japanese PM is to promote the ambitious economic reforms programme that mainly foresees the privatisation of Japanese post-offices, which compose the largest credit organization with deposits of over 3 trillion dollars.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Oil Prices Going Up Again

By Athina Saloustrou

US light crude oil has exceeded 67 dollars per barrel again, as producers in the Gulf of Mexico, including Conoco Phillips, Exon Mobil and Marathon, are evacuating personnel, thus postponing the operation of platforms at hurricane Rita's path. As per the National Hurricane Centre, Rita could acquire Katrina's force, thus generating concerns for distillation facilities in Texas, where Rita will hit in the weekend, and which have overshadowed OPEC's decision to provide the market with more oil in an effort to control price gouging. In negotiations after the official end of yesterday's conference in NYMEX, US light crude oil went up 1.37 dollars a barrel, reaching 67.60 dollars. Later on, it dropped to 67.34 dollars per barrel, while Brent went up by 1.06 dollars, reaching 65.6 dollars per barrel.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Smiling Through Tears Britney Sings the Baby Blues

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: MSNBC

Britney Spears, a week after her sons birth, is going through mood swings. Tabloids speak of a postpartum depression, since sources from her close environment report that the American star is laughing through her tears. The same sources state that she worries about her physique and if the caesarean scar will finally heal. As if that wasnt enough to cope with, her husband forgot their first wedding anniversary on September 18. Just so he can make it up to her, Kevin Federline bought her a ring with precious stones a day after.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Entrance With National Entry Exams and Interview Ecclesiastical Schools Upgraded

By Athina Saloustrou

The bill on Ecclesiastical Education announced today by Minister of Education Marietta Giannakou foresees the change of four Higher Ecclesiastical School to Higher Ecclesiastical Academies, in which the candidates will be admitted after passing an oral interview. The Higher Ecclesiastical Academies will operate as of the next academic year, and in the first stage the candidates will only be men, since they will operate only as Hierarchal Schools. In the future, the operation of other departments is foreseen in order for womens admittance. The graduates of the Academies and Theological Schools will not be appointed in the Public Sector, but will be staffed exclusively in ecclesiastical education.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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