The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-18

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Aimed at Equal Distribution of Funds The Summit's Aftermath

Sources: NET

Following the agreement of the "25" in Brussels, the main priorities of the Governmental programming are the securing of community funds concerning rural development, as well as the equiponderant distribution of available funds as they emerged by the decisions of the Summit Meeting. On Monday, the Prime Minister will brief the President of the Republic on the conclusions of the Summit Meeting and the benefits arising for Greece. Actually, these issues were the focal points of the discussions of the reception hosted by Karolos Papoulias for journalists, at the Presidential Mansion, on Saturday evening. In statements made during the reception, the President of the Republic described the agreement in Brussels as "the kiss of life" for Europe, whilst adding that the Prime Minister "achieved what he could have achieved" amid the atmosphere created.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Focusing on EU Deal

[02] Undergoing Examinations Ariel Sharon in Hospital

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: BBC, ANA

On Sunday night, Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon was taken to hospital when he lost consciousness while returning to his residence from his office. As per reports by the Israeli Public Television, Sharon suffered a minor stroke. As per the same source, the Israeli Prime Minister is conscious and in a non-threatening condition and is undergoing examinations. Leading neurologists have arrived at the Hadassah Hospital, in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, where Sharon is hospitalised, while the broader area has been closed-off.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Voices Raised Between ND and PASOK MPs Budget at Focus

By Vicky Keleri

Tonight, the discussion on the 2006 Budget began in Parliaments Plenary Session presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and leader of the Main Opposition Party George Papandreou. Opening the discussion, New Democracy rapporteur Savvas Tsitouridis fiercely criticised PASOK, stressing that the Government is attempting the deconstruction of a preterit political, economical and social regime created by PASOK. Moreover, he noted that all the predictions of the Opposition on the course of Greek economy for 2005 missed the point, while the basic programmed commitments of the Government are taking form. On his part, PASOK rapporteur Andreas Makrypidis spoke of a dishonest and forged budget and claimed that this will be the second inapplicable in action ND budget. Moreover, he accused the Government of expensiveness, an uncontrollable situation in the market and commitments not adhered to. KKE rapporteur Aggelos Tzekis criticised ND and PASOK. "The Main Opposition Party, distanced from its Governmental pas, does not make criticism on the merits, but only on the census and the reliability of the budget. The Government on is part cited the public deficit once again and the debt inherited by PASOK and voiced its sadness of not being able to satisfy lower classes. The people are observing and understanding the collusion and is enraged fairly," he said. On his part, SYN MP Giannis Dragasakis said that the budget is non-transparent and unequal.

Debate on Brussels Agreement

At the focus of Mr Makrypidis criticism were the results of the Brussels Summit Meeting. He claimed that Greece would "either way" receive the 20.1 billion euros from community funds. As he stated, the initial proposal of the British Presidency foresaw the sum, and the Greek Government had rejected it as unacceptable.

"Today, the proposal is presented as a grand achievement," he claimed, adding: "You have put the bar low and you managed to pass under it."

Following, the PASOK rapporteur compared on the sum of 25 billion euros ensured by the Government, with the money ensured by the PASOK Government by the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF), criticising ND of losing approximately 6 billion euros "as much as the Olympic Games would cost."

The Minister of Economy replied to Andreas Makrypidis noting "some are saddened when the Government accomplishes its goals, when fiscal deficits decrease, when the Economy is growing and unemployment decreasing. The Main Opposition Party forgets that the Economys aims are also of the Greek people."

Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the 20.1 billion euros earned "with the efforts of the Government and mainly the Prime Minister" will be for securing the peoples prosperity, "the completion of infrastructures, regional development, modernisation of the State and for the Greek economy to become more strengthened."

"The Main Opposition Party can remain focused on the past. We will move forward with reforms, initiatives and important steps," concluded the Minister.

Dispute Between Tsitouridis Pagalos

In the meantime, a dispute arose between Mr Tsitouridis and PASOK MP Theodoros Pagalos, when the former referred to a statement by the former Minister that "he would tear up his diplomas if the Governments budget is materialised."

Answering, Mr Pagalos described the data of the ND rapporteur as inaccurate and explained that he had stated that if the Government decreases deficit to 2.7% and increase GDP to 4% in 2005 he would tear up his diplomas, while noting that currently, the deficit is at 4.4% and the increase of GDP at 3.6%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Trial Resumes on December 22 Death Penalty for Zarqawi

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, AFP

Al-Qaedas leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi got a second death penalty in absentia, for two planned terror attacks in Jordans border with Iraq. As per sources, the Prosecutor demanded Zaqawi and two of his accomplices be sentenced to death. 39-year-old Zarqawi, who is of Jordan descent, has a bounty of 25 million dollars on his head and he has also been sentenced to death in Jordan for the murder of a US diplomat in Amman in October 2002. The trial, which has been taking place in Jordans state security court, was adjourned for December 22, since nine co-accused detained in Jordan jail, refused to testify, demanding the detention conditions improve.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Thriller With Zarqawi Arrest

[05] After an Agreement by WTO Members Opening Trade Transactions

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

In Hong Kong, after intensive six-day negotiations and under fierce anti-globalisation protests, the 149 countries members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) approved of a compromise agreement between North and South, which paves the road for the adoption of a general agreement for the opening of customs barriers in the world. As per the document of the final declaration, the restart of negotiations for the opening of international trade transactions is foreseen. The compromise formula was based on a document, which became an object of negotiation on Saturday night, presided by WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy. Moreover, the abolishment of grants on rich countries exports is foreseen by the end of 2013, a commitment that corresponds to the fixed demand of the developing countries. A series of measures for the poorest countries is also included in the declaration.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Maroussi Earned Win

By Stathis Petropoulos

In the game concluding the 9th round of A1 Mens Basketball Championship, Maroussi defeated AEK in added time 74-69, since the games normal duration ended 62-62. With this win, Maroussi remained in second place following Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. The game started off with Maroussi playing a great ten-minutes and leading 21-7 in the end of the first period. From then on, AEK not only resisted but also made up the difference, and with a similar appearance in the second half got the lead 34-25. In the second half, the same picture was maintained and escalated in the last seconds resulting in the tie. In added time, Maroussi easily wore out an already tired AEK and earned the win. The score of the ten-minute periods: 21-7, 25-34, 44-49, 62-62, (added time) 74-69.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Apollonas Patras Wins Easily

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Apollonas Patras took a morning walk in the game of the A1 Division by defeating PAOK 84-58 in the game of the 9th round of A1 Mens Basketball Championship. The best players for the team of Patras were Liadelis, Forte and Georgalis, while from PAOK Mavrokefalidis and Gagaloudis. Patras, with this win, made an important step for its stay in A1 while PAOK with its defeat continues to remain in the last places of rankings. The score of the ten-minute periods: 21-18, 44-30, 64-41, 84-58

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] PAOK Defeated OFI

By Stathis Petropoulos

PAOK was the winner in the game against OFI concluding the 14th round. The players of Giorgos Kostikos reconfirmed their great performance and earned another easy win whilst playing good football. PAOK was dominating in the game, even though OFI was the one that made its first good opportunity with Machlas trying to beat Fernandez. However, PAOK answered back, avoiding mistakes and scoring 1-0 with Christodoulopoulos in the 37 and 2-0 with Salpigidis in the 43. From then on, PAOKs aim was to keep the lead and earn the win, which was easier as OFI lacked showing a reaction.

Referee: Terovitsas (Etoloakarnania)

Yellow cards: Zagorakis Koltzos, Pitsos, Thomas

PAOK: Fernandez, Feutchine, Karypidis, Udeze, Konstantinidis, Maladenis (75 Iliadis), Zagorakis, Christodoulopoulos, Shikabala (65 Mieciel), Salpigidis (90+ Mumin), Giasemakis.

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Anastasiadis, Thomas, Pitsos, Sfakianakis, Dentsas, Koltzos (59 Belevonis), Roubakis (82 Stavrakakis), Nwafor (75 Kazantzis), Machlas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] "Healing" Win for PAO

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos earned a win, both point and esteem wise, defeating Egaleo 2-0, in a game of the 14th round of the A Division Championship, returning to three-pointers. The winning goals were scored by Mantzios in the 67 and Biscan in the 79. Thus, PAO remained at the third place of rankings; 9 points behind Olympiacos and 8 from AEK. On Egaleos part, Giorgos Chatzaras sat at the bench of the team after 18 months without managing to earn a win.

Referee: Finokaliotis (Athens)

Yellow cards: Omo, Papoutsis, Maric, Nikolopoulos Seric, Mantzios, Flavio Conceicao

EGALEO: Sidibe, Papoutsis, Edusei (20 Popov), Zapropoulos, Psomas, Maric (80 Cesarek), Omo (46 Tsatsos), Fotakis, Chloros, Manousakis, Nikolopoulos.

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Nilsson, Biscan, Morris, Darlas (78 Leontiou), Flavio Conceicao, Gonzalez, Seric (78 Kotsios), Charalabidis (51 Gekas), Mantzios, Papadopoulos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Larissa and Ionikos Tie

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Points and impressions were shared by Larissa and Ionikos in Alkazar Stadium for the game of the 14th round of the A Division Championship which ended in a tie, 0-0. In the first half, the two teams watched their backs and no one took the lead. Larissa was better in the second half and neared a goal, however, without taking advantage of opportunities. It is noted that in the 68 the team of Sakis Tsiolis played with 10 ten when Melabianakis was sent off receiving a second yellow card.

Referee: Fotiadis (Thessaloniki)

Yellow cards: Kiparissis, Dabizas, Perone, Tsimblidis, Konstantinidis, Serban

Red cards: Melabianakis (68 second yellow card)

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Tsiatsios (46 Kalatzis), Galitsios, Dabizas, Bachramis, Katsiaros, Digozis, Vela Junior, Aloneftis, Serban, Kiparissis.

IONIKOS: Beqaj, Poulopoulos, Ukar, King, Melabianakis, Gutman (46 Tsiblidis), Vourexakis, Da Costa, Konstantinidis, Macor, Perone (73 Ofridopoulos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] An ERT Initiative at the Athens Concert Hall ERT's Christmas Melodies

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

Christmas is around the corner and ERT decided to welcome the last week before the most-loved celebration of the year with a concert. Thus, on Sunday noon, the National Symphonic Orchestra, the Musical Ensembles Choir and the Childrens Choir of the Third Program flooded the Friends of Music Hall with classical melodies, creating an atmosphere of joy. President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias graced the event with his presence. Moreover, children and their foster families from Mitera Foster Home, invited by ERT attended the concert. Figures from the political world, as well as important composers attended the concert, supporting ERTs initiative.

"Wonderful Event"

The President of the Republic described the event as "wonderful and perfectly suiting the atmosphere of the forthcoming days," whilst giving out his wishes over health and success.

On his part, President of ERT Christos Panagopoulos noted that the Christmas Concert has become an institution and added that its aim is more brightness and promotion to be given, in order for it to continue for many more years.

Alternate Government Evangelos Antonaros voiced his satisfaction over the great interest and turnout to ERTs Christmas Concert for the second year running.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] "Breather" Win for Iraklis

By Stathis Petropoulos

Iraklis is maintaining its UEFA course, regardless of the problems continuing in the team in an administrative level. Iraklis defeated Panionios 1-0 in a game of poor performance but not facing any resistance. The team of Savvas Kofidis had the initiative of movement in the duration of the game, however, it could not utilise it with Poursanidis initially and Smiljanic in the end of the first half missing their shots. In the meantime, Panionios, who put the weight on its defence, tried to become threatening, but Abaris could not be fooled. Finally, the decisive goal came for Iraklis in the 59 with Katsiabis scoring with a header after a centre-shot by Epalle. The home team could have scored 2-0 but Herreras shot ten minutes stopped at the goalpost.

Referee: Mazarakos (Arta)

Yellow cards: Poursanidis, Sheppard, Makos, Langer

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Szaucner, Drougas (89 Murati), Katsiabis, Seghiri, Poursanidis, Prittas, Kapetanos, Herrera (85 Lawal), Epalle, Lagos.

PANIONIOS: Vanjak, Magdy, Nalitzis (85 Oravec), Sheppard, Makos, Smiljanic, Langer, Goundoulakis, Fernantes (60 Breska), Exouzidis (79 Mitrou), Lazaridis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Great Win for Atromitos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Doe proved Giorgos Parashos hidden ace in the encounter between Atromitos and Kallithea. Doe entered the pitch in the second half and earned his team a great victory. The first 45 belonged to the home side that took a 2-0 lead. Yet, in the second half Atromitos managed to react and equalized with Doe and Zaharopoulos. Doe scored the victorious goal for Atromitos in the extra time.

Referee: Nikolaidis (Thessaloniki) Yellow Cards: Dimos, Raguel, Belegrinis Red Cards: Sylla (60, second yellow card)

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Karatzas, Venetis, Koulakiotis, Tsiolis, Pasas (82` Vokolos), Yanchev, Telkivski (89` Belegrinis), Petkovic, Lazanas, Sylla.

ATROMITOS: Mihailidis, Georgiou, Dagas, Dimos (46` Doe), Raguel, Geladaris, Sotirhos, Koutsis, Korakakis, Karadimos (4 Katemis), Zaharopoulos.

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