The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Grand Victory Greece Advances to the Semis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

After performing brilliantly and with their iron defence making the difference, the Greek basketball team achieved a 66-61 victory over Russia and advanced to the final four of the Eurobasket in Belgrade. Thodoris Papaloukas of Greece excelled and was the teams top scorer. Apart from their claiming a medal in the Eurobasket, Thursdays victory gave the chance to the Greeks to book their tickets for the 2006 World Championship to be held in Japan. Panagiotis Giannaikis boys are to play against France to the semifinals. Ten-minute periods: 13-6, 33-26, 40-44, 61-66.

The First Part was a Nightmare

The Greeks started the game in the worst possible way. Being poor in the offence and inefficient in the defence, they sustained a 13-2 difference in the first nine minutes, managing to score only a two-point shot.

On the other hand, the Russians prevailed, while the only thing the Greek team did was to slightly reduce the difference to seven points (13-6).

They Were Better in the Second Period

In the second period, the Greeks seemed more determined and improved. Applying more pressure against the Russians and with Dikoudi, Xhatzivreta and Fotsis being more efficient in the offence, the Greek team revived.

Panagiotis Gainnakis boys managed to further reduce the difference to three points nearly two minutes before the end to the halftime, (29-26). However, some turnovers gave anew a seven-point lead to the Russians (33-26).

Defence is the Key

The Greek basketball team performed even better in the third period. Thodoris Papaloukas excelled in the offence, thus signalling the countdown to victory. The Greeks started eliminating the difference and making it difficult for the Russians to attack. The defence played on Russias NB player Kirilenko confided him to the role of the onlooker.

Therefore, the Greek national team took a 40-42 lead thanks to a successful three-point shot by Papaloukas, while the captains shot that ended the third period earned Greece a four-point lead.

Perfect End

Having prevailing over Russia, the Greek team stormed the four period with a 2-13 shot-spree shooting the difference to eight points. Sergei Babkovs players managed to react with Khryapa being their offensive weapon, since he managed to drop the difference to three (47-50).

Despite the pressure applied by the Russian team, Greece boasted Papaloukas, whose peace of mind preserved the lead. So, the Greeks advanced to the final four of the 2005 Eurobasket.

Ten-Minute Periods: 13-6, 20-20, 7-18, 21-22

Lineups: Russia (Sergei Babkov): Ponkrashov, Holden 15, Likholitov, Fridzon 3, Morgunov 5, Samoylenko 4, Khryapa 10, Pachoutine, Monya 2, Kirilenko 18, Ivanov, Savrasenko 4.

Greece (Panagiotis Giannakis): Zisis 6, Papadopoulos, Kakiouzis 8, Fotsis 4, Dikoudis 11, Spanouolis 3, Diamantidis 2, Papaloukas 23, Chatzivretas 9, Tsartsaris, Vasilopoulos, Bourousis.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Reliving History

[02] Getting Ready to Tame the Bear Reliving History

By Ilias Papaioannou

Eighteen years ago, the team of Galis, Giannakis, Fasoulas and Christodolou had conquered the top of Europe, beating the Soviet Union 103-101. Tonight, a player of the infamous 1987 group, Panagiotis Giannakis, this time around coaching from the bench, will try to lead the Greek team into another victory against the "bear" of international basketball, and earn a qualification in the Eurobasket semi-finals. NET will broadcast the crucial game at 18:30, while the "Pregame show" on public television will inform you with all the latest news.

All Events Open

The entrance in the "4" of the event is a strong motive for the Greek players, who have repeatedly stated that the aim in Belgrade is a high place in the podium. Their opponent tonight is not a stranger, since two Greek players, Papaloukas and Ntikoudis have played in the Russian Championship, while the backbone of the opponents is composed by CSKA Moscow players, a team which every year clashes with the Greek clubs in the context of European Cups.

However, Russian players have an experience of Greek basketball, since Savrasenko played in Olympiacos, and Peristeri while JR Holden was an AEK player. Moreover, two Russian players have played in the A1 Greek mens division, Fedor Likholitov in Aris and Nikita Morgunov in Makedonikos.

Russia's Roster

Anton Ponkrashov 1.98 Spartak St. Petersburg Jon Robert Holden 1.84 CSKA Moscow Fedor Likholitov 2.10 Dynamo Moscow Vitaly Fridzon 1.92 Khimki Moscow Nikita Morgunov 2.10 Dynamo MOscow Petr Samoylenko 1.87 Unics KAzan Victor Khryapa 2.03 Portland Trailblazers Zakhar Pashutin 1.96 CSKA Moscow Sergey Monya 2.05 CSKA Moscow Andrei Kirilenk 2.09 Utah Jazz Andrey Ivanov 1.96 Dynamo St Petersburg Aleksey Savrasenko 2.17 CSKA Moscow

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Destination Victory

Time for Russia

[03] Rita is "Extremely Dangerous" Preparing for the Worst

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: CNN, ANA

The residents of the US states of Texas and Louisiana are fleeing their homes due to hurricane Rita that is expected to hit these states. Endless lines of cars have crammed the exits of the states. A Houston resident told CNN that it took him 13 hours to reach Dallas, a route that does not exceed four hours at the most. Around I million people are believed to have fled Texas. In the meantime, the US President urged the residents of the costal areas across the Gulf of Mexico to seek for a shelter in the mainland. He also pointed out that the government is preparing for the worst.

Cry for Help

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco said, "The southwest part of the state is in danger." She also added that she has already requested the Federal Government send more troops and rescue workers, since Louisiana is still trying to heal its wounds caused by hurricane Katrina.

In the meantime, the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre pointed out that Rita is likely to hit a wide area while gathering her strength over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Rita is approaching Texas with winds that reach 165km per hour.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Evacuation Was Completed in TIme Brought Under Control

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

The fire that had broken out shortly after 18:30 at a Hanth building, at the heart of Thessaloniki, was put out. As per first findings, the fire started from the Avlaia Theatre that lies within the premises of the Hanth building, which was completed damaged. Eighteen fire engines and 70 firefighters rushed to the site and quickly evacuated the gyms and the nearby workshops, so none of the 200 people inside was injured. EKAV ambulances and municipal vehicles also hurried to the fire scene. Regional Director of Central Macedonia Fire Service Mr Skokas said that the fire gave the firefighters a hard time, for the building was quite old. He further noted that the Fire Service Interrogation Department is investigating all possibilities over the causes of the fire. In the meantime, the roads around the Hanth building were given again for public use, except the part of Tsimiskis Road in front of the theatre. Fire engines are still on the site.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Satellite Excavations!

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: London Telegraph -BBC

When Luca Mori, a humble computer programmer of Sorbolo, Italy wished, as all users that preceded him, to have a satellite view of his neighbourhood through browsing an astonishing collection of Google Earth maps, unearthing the past of his neighbours 2,000 years ago was beyond his wildest dreams.

While looking at the satellite images of his local area, 47-year-old Mori discerned an unusual oval shade. The 450-metre shade could not be seen when on ground. At first, he thought it was an image flaw. But when he zoomed in, he realised that what he was looking at had rectangular shapes and that it was under the earth.

He immediately addressed the local archaeologists from the National Archaeological Museum in Parma. The experts, who rushed to the site, confirmed Moris findings and unearthed ceramic and stone pieces, thus proving that a Roman villa stood there around 2,000 ago.

Google Earth is a novel service offered by the Internet search engine Google that allows its users to access a huge database of satellite images and 3D maps depicting every corner of the earth.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Google Earth

[06] Thorough Inspections for Constructions

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The new draft bill on construction permits projects upgraded inspections. The draft bill is to be submitted to Parliament in October. In a Press Conference on Thursday, Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias also stated that the draft bill will settle the issue of roof gardens, but he did not make it clear whether they are to be abolished. Mr Souflias said that the existing legislation on construction permits does not project inspections on building static ability, while the new law will forward thorough inspections to be conducted both before the issuing of the permit and during construction works. At her Press Conference, the Public Works Minister made public that announcements on the way the land registration is to be carried out will be made as of the upcoming week, while he did not miss to refer to the problem of sewage sludge claiming that the Ministry will work on a solution in case the residents in Liosia does not want the sludge to be transferred to the Refuse Dump. However, he refused to reveal the alternatives that are taking into account.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Meetings With Greece's Political Leadership Marovic Meets Karamanlis and Papandreou

By Athina Saloustrou

This morning, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met with President of Serbia Svetozar Marovic, in Maximos Mansion. As per sources, the situation in Kosovo and Serbia Montenegros Euroatlantic course, which is supported by Greece, was at the focus of the meeting, while no statements were made. The contacts of the Serb President with the political leadership of the country continued with the meeting with the President of PASOK. Mr Papandreou described 2006 as a crucial year, on the occasion of the union of Serbia and Montenegro, and the developments in Kosovo, and accused the Greek government of being a "bystander observing developments," resulting in the creation of dead ends, as in the FYROM issue.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Traffic Problems Heavy Downpours

By Anna Kourti

Heavy downpours have been affecting both the northern and eastern Atticas suburbs. Serious traffic problems have been presented on Athinon, Herakliou and Kiphisou Avenues. Pireaus Avenue near Chamosternas, the underground crossing of Kallirois Street and both right lanes on Athens-Lamia Highway at Acharnai Exit towards Lymaton Bridge are also closed. The Fire Service has received dozens of calls to pump floodwaters out of houses and shops. Greeces National Meteorologist Service forecasts downpours throughout the country for Friday. The temperature is to range from 13 to 24 degrees Celsius in the north, 15 to 27 on the Ionian Sea and the mainland and 19 to 28 on the Aegean and Crete. Athens and Thessaloniki will experience overcast along with rain, possible storm with mild winds and temperature ranging from 18 to 17 and from17 to 23 degrees of Celsius respectively.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Mobility in Athens Nicosia Fever Over Turkey's European Course

By Betty Savourdou

Diplomatic fever in Brussels for Turkey's European course. After the adoption of the 25 proposal to the Turkish statement, through which Ankara did not recognise Cyprus, now all eyes are set on the text based on which negotiation talks with Turkey will open. Mobility in Athens and Nicosia as well, which underlined the importance of the counterstatement. However, PASOK and SYN described it as non-satisfactory, while Ankara repeated, "There is no question of recognition before solving the Cypriot issue." In fact, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued an announcement, underlining that the counterstatement includes "some unfair approaches" and asked the Union to support the UN's efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Cypriot issue. Cypriot government spokesperson Kypros Chrisostomidis said the Turkish reaction was "fierce," while DISI harshly criticised the counterstatement.

Unilateral Statement

"We express our sorrow for the EUs counterstatement on September 21," read the announcement issued by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Namik Tan.

"This statement includes some unfair approaches and new facts, which do not befit the traditional spirit of cooperation in the relations between Turkey and the EU over the past 40 years," also read the announcement.

"The statement is unilateral and adopts a political approach, which could wear out the UNs efforts to settle the Cypriot issue. There is no way we can adopt the approach in question," concluded the announcement.

On the other hand, Mr Chrisostomidis invited all EU Member-States to evaluate and confront Turkeys negative stance, regarding the non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

Commenting the stance of the Turkish Foreign Minister during his speech at the United National General Assembly that the Greek-Cypriot side is trying to undermine the role of the United Nations, he described it as misleading, stressing there was never such an intention.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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