The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rita Is Only 80km Away A Heartbeat From Texas

By Athina Saloustrou

The inhabitants of the southern US States are living a nightmare. Hurricane Rita, which has been described as devastating and extremely dangerous by the authorities, is rapidly approaching the coasts of Texas and Louisiana with winds reaching 200km per hour. Its epicentre is only 80km away from the coast and is expected to hit the area before dawn with fierce storms, strong winds and heavy rainfall. As per American meteorologists, it is moving northwest covering at least 19km per hour. Hurricane Rita is in the dangerous category 3 of the Saffir-Simpson 1-5 rating hurricane scale. The ends of the hurricane have already reached the largest part of the Texan coasts along the Gulf of Mexico, the entire Louisiana coasts and parts of Mississippi. Some two million people have evacuated Texas, including the entire Galveston district, where a fire is burning since early morning, and Huston. However, the inhabitants of these areas were very well prepared, while authorities were far more effective after the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina on August 29. New damages have been reported in New Orleans and the water level has risen again in the lower-altitude areas. Ten thousand soldiers are on alert for the eventuality of a tsunami in the Mexican Gulf, while President George Bush postponed his scheduled visit to Texas and will go to the army headquarters in Colorado Springs, where authorities are coordinating their work.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Ready For the Next Step

By Vasilis Kalpinos

All eyes are turned to the great match between Greece and France. The team, which in the premier of the Eurobasket 2005, Greece easily defeated by 64-60, and therefore starting its good course. Panagiotis Giannakis has said to the players that the French have changed since the first game, and improved greatly, and that they have to keep the game in its control with great caution.

"We Want More"

The great qualification against Russia is in the past, and now France has appeared in Greeces way to the semi-final. Everything is possible for Greece, as to advance to the semi-finals once again after 1997.

The initial impression by the French was not the best, however things have changed, and the French made an impressive turnaround, advancing to the semi-final by defeating Serbia and Lithuania.

The defeat of Russia has boosted the Greek players ego, and have started to think more confidently, as Michalis Kakiouzis stated before the start of Eurobasket "We are going to win a medal, and why not the gold!"

In an attempt to calm his players, Panagiotis Giannakis will state the last details of the game. The coach is well aware that the game against France will have no similarity to the first round of the groups. However, Giannakis will not change his system or his plans, and will continue with a strong defence, endless running and rebound control. The players are expected to watch their opponents on video and analyse their game, as they are completely transformed.

Ntikoudis: "I Wanted France"

One of the top players of Greece noted that the team can advance to the final. The Greek power forward said that he wanted to play against France, and that has become reality. "The Greek team is ready for great things," said the player.

"France does not scare us. We beat them once, and we can do it again. You can beat the same opponent twice in the same tournament, but that does not mean the semi-final will be easy," he said. The fact is that the French will see through the game does not worry Ntikoudis. "We cannot hide from the French. They can see through our game and we can do the same. The best team will not win, but the one that is better prepared," he concluded.

Kakiouzis: "Caution"

The captain of Greece spoke of the great semi-final against France. "Tomorrows game is important for both teams. The one who is more focused and who will face the obstacles will advance to the final. Do not get confused, tomorrows game has nothing in common with the first round. The French have played a good game, since they disqualified Serbia/Montenegro. Let us not exaggerate their win against Lithuania. The French did not play that well. Ok, the Lithuanians are European Champions but it is expected that they would break up, playing without its five main players," he stated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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