The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-26

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bad Weather with Severe Snowfall Western Europe Freezes Over

By Athina Saloustrou

Bad weather with severe snowfall and low temperatures is affecting many European countries. In France, three homeless persons died by the cold, while it is snowing in Paris, as well as in the northern part of the country. Traffic was paralysed, while accidents took place due to the slipperiness of the roads. In the US, father and daughter found a tragic death in the icy waters of a lake. The 44-year-old man and his nine-year old daughter were killed when the thin layer of ice broke in the lake they were ice-skating on, in Wisconsin. Transport is taking place with difficulties, where it hasnt been banned. In Great Britain, the bad weather is unprecedented, as snow has closed-off hundreds of cars, while it also cause a train derailment in the Scottish Highlands. The first car was overturned, resulting in the driver and at least eight out of the ninety passengers to be injured. Thousands of drivers were stranded in Cornwall.

Northwestern Germany is also affected by the bad weather. Thousands of households did not have electricity in North Rhine-Westfalia, while Duesseldorf Airport remained closed. Brussels are also experiencing snowfall where trees fell, while seven persons were injured in a car accident, north of Belgium. In the meantime, in the Netherlands, due to the snow, the worst ever car line-up took place. Weather in the Iberian Peninsula is also adverse. Snow is falling throughout Spain, even in Madrid, while snow is dense in areas of central and northern Portugal.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Roussopoulos Against PASOK Roussopoulos Unleashes Attack

Sources: NET

The economy, recruitments through ASEP during PASOK rule, as well as George Papandreous latest statement over renewal caused a dispute between the Government and the Main Opposition Party. Minister of State Thodoris Roussopoulos unleashed an attack against PASOK and its leader George Papandreou. Mr Roussopoulos described him as the "herald" of renewal, while he accused PASOKs MPs of having committed themselves to an effort to crush the Governments work. Answering to the Minister of State, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis stated that his words lose their meaning. "The governments words have become synonymous with lies, distortion and hypocrisy," commented Mr Athanasakis and added that opposition is not built up on lies, swears and incredible stupidities. In replying, the Minister of State claimed, "The lack of arguments and the absence of proposals turn the PASOK spokesman into a slanderer."

Speaking at an event of the Municipal Governing Committee of New Democracy, in Larissa, the Minister of State blamed the Main Opposition Party for the current state of economy. He presented evidence indicating that the previous Governments proceeded in recruitments in the Public Sector, violating ASEP regulations.

"They speak of renewal just to call it back before the rooster crows. George Papandreou himself above all, the alleged herald of the renewal, had the nerve to demand the Media promote PASOKs officials he favours the most. Such behaviour is indicative of the ethos and image of new PASOK," said Mr Roussopoulos and added that this demand proved that PASOK is nothing but the political representative of those who have sound reasons to resist changes in Greeces political stage.

Referring to PASOKs criticism on the governments work, Mr Roussopoulos spoke of a "coordinated effort to distort reality," noting at the same time that the reforms are underway. "Reforms have been on truck and proceed with steady and decisive steps. Nothing can reverse that course," he concluded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] "Not a Single Euro Spent" Buy Nothing Day

By Tina Valaoura

The General Consumers Federation of Greece (INKA) invited consumers to honour Buy Nothing Day by abstaining from purchases. With the slogan "Not a Single Euro Spent," INKA called on consumers to make the best of this day and stand up to the problem of high cost of living on the one hand, and to seriously ponder over the issue of unwise consuming behaviour on the other.

The Federation release a written statement showing that 63% of the Greek households has significantly downgraded its diet, while 21% of the civilians has come up against with a quantitative problem on the same issue. The decline in the purchasing power reported over the last 20 years, read the statement, has had an adverse effect on the attitudes of a considerable amount of people and diet seems to be acquiring anew class-related traits.

Furthermore, over the course of the last 0 years, meat consumption has posted an increase by 155%, dairy products consumption rose by 55% and sugar by 115%, On the other hand, cereal consumption fell by 17%, pulses consumption by 36$ and fish by 7%.

However, Saturdays sunshine combined with the imminent Christmas time and the consumers unawareness of the Buy Nothing Day constituted a great opportunity for consumers to go shopping.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

ÉÍÊÁ

Buy Nothing Day

[04] Tsolakis: "Findings in March"

Sources: NET

The findings over the causes of the air tragedy in Grammatiko last August, which shocked the public, will be ready in the beginning of March. As President of the Air Accidents and Incidents Investigative Committee Akrivos Tsolakis said exclusively to NET the findings will be ready by 90%. As it emerged, the human factor played an important role in the fateful flight of the Helios Boeing aircraft, resulting in the death of 121 persons. In the meantime, within the next 20 days, and in order to shed light on the case, the re-enactment of the accident is expected to take place.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Crucial Point in Investigation

[05] For the First Time After the 1967 Invasion Rafah Crossing Handed Over to Palestine

By Athina Saloustrou

For the first time after the Gaza Strip invasion in 1967, the border crossing was handed over to the Palestinians. Hundreds of people waited through the night, to cross to Egypt with a bus or other means of transport, as soon as the gates of the crossing opened. Up to now, more than 1,500 people have crossed the borders as the spokesperson of EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Javier Solana announced. "At the end of the day, 1,587 people crossed the borders to and from the borders. We are very satisfied," stated Christina Gallach. The first group of Palestinians passed through the borders at noon. Persons with a Palestinian passport, diplomats, foreign investors and members of international humanitarian organizations equipped with a special permit can all cross the borders. In the time being, Israel, citing security issuers, is monitoring the passage of travelers through CCTV. This procedure will be completed when 70 European observers will arrive in Rafah, as the agreement foresees.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] PAOK Returns to Wins

By Vasilis Kalpinos

PAOK earned an easy win against Kolossos Rhodes by 95-72, in the game for the 6th round of the A1 Mens Basketball Championship. This was the first home turf win for PAOK, while the team of Rhodes suffered its six defeat in the event. The scores of the ten-minute periods: 28-24, 51-37, 79-54, 95-72.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Panellinios Defeated Aris

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panellinios, being better throughout the game in Alexandreio Stadium, made the surprise and defeated Aris 63-70, in the game for the 6th round of A1 Mens Basketball Championship. This was the first away win for the team of Argyris Pedoulakis in this years Championship, while the second consecutive defeat for Ilias Zouros team. The scores of the ten-minute periods: 8-16, 17-33, 38-53, 64-70.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Makedonikos Remains Undefeated

By Stathis Petropoulos

In Kozani, Apollon Patras threat against Makedonikos lasted only for a minute; since the home team, being better and calmer when needed, earned another win on home turf. The game was in the context of the sixth round of A1 Mens Basketball Championship. The scores of the ten-minute periods: 24-13, 37-32, 57-47, 83-73.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Panathinaikos: Won and Got Out!

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos played one of its best games this season, in the context of the 11th round of the Championship. The "greens" were much better from the beginning and took control of the game from the first minute, while, until the 21, when Adric scored 1-0, they had lost many other opportunities to score much earlier. In the 21, Adric sealed his opportunity in the best way, substituting Conseicaos absence, and scoring his first goal in his presence in Panathinaikos. Xanthi put up a fight and in the 35, in a counterattack, Papadimitriou passed on to Garpozis who tied the score. Before the first half was completed, Malezanis team took the lead once again with Vangelis Mantzios. The good shot by Panathinaikos forward scored the final result, since the pace of the game dropped at added time, while no other goals were scored.

Referee: Pamporidis (Kilkis)

Yellow Cards: Wooter, Darlas, Gonzales, Charabidis, Goumas-Galinovic-Garpozis, Mineiro, Antzas

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Nielsson, Gomas, Morris, Darlas (83 Kotsios), Charalabidis (68 Leontiou), Wooter, Adric (74 Tziolis), Gonzales, Mantzios, Papadopoulos

XANTHI: Pizanofski, Zapropoulos, Mineiro (73 Torosidis), Sikov (46 Baikara), Papadimitriou, Garpozis, Emerson, Antzas, Cicinio, Luciano (65 De Matia), Labriakos

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Shock in the 93'

By Stathis Petropoulos

The law of football was enforced in Alkazar Stadium, where Larissa tied with Egaleo, in a game the former led by 1-0, that is, until the third minute of added time. In the 20 Larissa opened the score with Serban. The first half ended 1-0, since four minutes after Larissas goal the assistant referee did not count a goal by Chloros. In added time, Larissa had many opportunities to score once again, but one was lost after the other. Thus in the 93 the law of football was enforced. Egaleo with Zapropoulos took advantage of a slight confusion at Kotsolis goal area, and disappointed Larissas fans, who until then had not stop singing.

Referee: Tsikinis (Messinia)

Yellow Cards: Aloneftis-Maric, Chloros, Christou

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Katsiaros, Galitsios, Simos, Dabizas, Vella Junior (78 Gikas), Bachramis (46 Aloneftis), Digozis, Serban, Kyparissis (68 Kalantzis), Gavrilopoulos

EGALEO: Sidibe, Edusei, Papoutsis, Zapropoulos, Psomas, Popov (49 Tzezarek), Moustogiannis (21 Manousakis), Omo, Fotakis, Maric, Chloros

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Strong Heart in the Mediterranean Way Bon Appetit!

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA-Reuters

Should the Mediterranean-style diet be followed for three months running, the risk of heart diseases may fall by 15%, claimed a new medical study that appeared in the American Journal Clinical Nutrition. The study, which was conducted by Dr. Denis Lairon of the Faculty of Medicine Timone in Marseille, has fully documented the benefits resulting from the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetable, nuts, fish, olive oil and little red meat.

Emphasis on Fish

The researchers studied 212 men and women who were running a risk of developing some kind of a heart problem. Half of them were instructed to follow a Mediterranean-style diet for three months running and the rest were given a low fat diet to follow for the same period of time.

Those following the Mediterranean formula were to eat fish four times a week and red meat only once. Men were allowed to drink two glasses of red wine on a daily basis, while women were reduced to one only.

The second group of the participants was instructed to eat poultry instead of beef, pork and fish two or three times a week. They were to abstain from animal products rich in saturated fat, while fruits, vegetables and vegetable oils were a must.

Both groups reported weight loss. However, those who followed the Mediterranean diet witnessed a drop in total cholesterol by 7.5%, while those who stayed true to a low fat diet saw their cholesterol fall by 4.5%. The risk of developing some kind of heart disorder dropped by 15% for the first group and by 9% for the second one.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Maroussi Defeated Iraklis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Maroussi escaped from Iraklis home turf, in the last seconds of the game, after earning a great win by 74-75, in the game for the 6th round of the A1 Mens Basketball Championship. The game was a real derby in its duration and Panagiotis Yannakis team managed to earn a win with two shots by Kolokas. This is the 3rd win away for the team of Maroussi, while for Iraklis it is its fifth defeat in six games of the Championship. The scores for the ten-minute periods: 23-23, 42-43, 60-58, 74-75.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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