The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] 150 hectares in Didymoticho Cultivable Land in Evros Flooded

By Athina Saloustrou

Some 150 hectares of cultivable land flooded in Psathades, Didymoticho, after a small part of the levee broke, when the River Evros overflowed. As per the director of the Civil Protection Authority of Eastern Macedonia Thrace, Mr Lazaros Tsakmakidis, the levee subsided in the area Psathades, approximately 1km from the southern Didymoticho node, due to the increased levels of water that flowed in from the River Erythropotamos. A 40m rift was created and 150 hectares of land flooded. The position of the rift in question is some 500m from the point where technical works took place last year, during similar floods. Furthermore, due to the works performed on the levees last year, yesterdays rift caused minimum damage.

Situation under Control

"The technical services of the Region Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and the authorities in general are on alert and they will intervene in the next few days in order to divert the waters towards the River Evros," stressed Mr Tsakmakidis, who added that the relevant Prefectorial Coordinating Body of Southeastern Evros has been notified, in order to implement the necessary measures, in the context of the existing Civil Protection plan.

In the meantime, the level of water on the River Evros, at the Pythio station, is at 5.40m, with the safety level being 5.70m. The situation is under control, but the state remains on alert. The danger of overflowing depends both on the expected rainfall of the next few days, as well as the border management of the volumes of water.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Greek Journalism Loses a Valuable Member Leon Karapanagiotis Passed Away

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek journalism lost a valuable member. Distinguished journalist Leon Karapanagiotis, manager of the newspaper "Ta Nea" and its editor to date, breathed his last at the age of 74. The deceased was born in Athens in 1931. He studied Political Science in France and Switzerland and had been working for the Lambrakis Press Group since 1953. He was the manager of the Greek newspaper "Ta Nea" for many years, after being appointed in 1982, while he served as the papers editor to date. He also held the post of vice-president of the Groups Steering Committee. Those who knew him speak of a significant, highly educated and established individual. His health took a turn for the worse about a year ago, when he suffered a series of strokes. Four years ago, Hellenic President Kostis Stefanopouslo awarded Leon Karapanagiotis a medal for his continuous contribution to the promotion of serious news. He was married to Eleni Valaoritou and had two daughters.

Condolences

The Minister of State and government spokesperson, Thodoros Roussopoulos, made the following statement upon Leon Karapanagiotis death: "Leon Karapanagiotis served journalism with commitment and consistency. His loss will be felt deeply, not just at the newspaper "Ta Nea", where his personal seal was determinative, but throughout the world of the Press. I convey my deep condolences to his relatives and the "Nea" journalistic family."

"I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of Leon Karapanagiotis, a true nobleman of journalism, which he served exemplary for over half a century. As an editor and later manager of the newspaper "To Vima", and manager, since 1981, and later editor of the newspaper "Ta Nea", as well as a member of the Lambrakis Press Group, he served journalism as a mission, while he was a pioneer during a time of changes for the Press and the Media," declared PASOK President George Papandreou.

"He was also a concerned scholar, a man with profound knowledge and views on politics and social affairs, and a conscious democratic citizen, with personal contribution in the fights for democracy and progress," he added.

"He was a family friend and a close personal friend of Andreas Papandreou. His advice during crucial and historic times was invaluable.

I convey my warmest condolences to his wife Eleni and his family, as well as his journalistic family at the Lambrakis Press Group," concluded the President of PASOK.

Upon being informed of the death of the editor, the Mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyannis, declared, "Leon Karapanagiotis was one of the greatest figures in Greek journalism. As a scholar, he served journalism and news as an important mission, in his long career.

Respecting the principles and values of free speech, as well as objective and multi-faceted news, he paved new avenues for the Press and the newspapers of Greece, as a journalist and editor.

I convey my warmest condolences to his family and the journalistic family of the Lambrakis Press Group."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] His Body Reacted Positively Small Improvement for Sharon

By Athina Saloustrou

The Israeli PMs condition has improved slightly, but remains critical, while he has not escaped danger. The brain scan performed on Ariel Sharon showed a "small improvement", but as per Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director of Jerusalems Hadassah hospital, where the Israeli PM is hospitalised, he is still under threat. He also declared that Sharons health is critical, but stable, after the operation he underwent to stop the brain haemorrhage. The scan showed a slight reduction in the swelling of the brain. "We as human beings are optimistic. But I cannot say that the Prime Minister has come out of danger. But there are very slight signs of improvement. But the condition is still critical," Mor-Yosef added. He also told reporters that he said a decision on when to awaken the 77-year-old leader from the sedation he is under would be taken on Sunday morning. In addition, as of 2pm (Greek time), the medical team decided to slightly reduce the depths of the anaesthesia, in order to reach some conclusions regarding his brain and nervous system reactions. Ariel Sharons reaction was somewhat positive.

Surprised

As per the same sources, the pupils of his eyes were not dilating, which demonstrates that his brain has suffered irreparable damage. However, they will need 24-48 hours from the time they altered his therapy, in order to reach some safe conclusions. They also mentioned that Ariel Sharon will remain on life support for the next 48 hours, at which time they reconvene to discuss the possibility of taking him off life support (for a few minutes) in order to check his reactions. On the other hand, as per the Israeli TV, the medical tests performed on the Israeli PM showed that a problem was detected in his lungs, after the operation he underwent to stop the brain haemorrhage.

Israeli TV broadcast that the hospital doctors were not sure about the exact causes of the problem in Sharons lungs. However, as per the same source, patients of strokes usually develop lung infections or pneumonia.

One of Ariel Sharons attending physicians, Felix Umansky, declared that he was more optimistic of the Israeli PMs health condition today.

"The brain scan showed a better picture than yesterday. I am more optimistic, Ariel Sharons condition is stable and, under the circumstances, it is a good development," declared Umansky.

However, according to the medical team attending to the Israeli PM, the doctors are surprised at the way his brain is reacting, as it suffered a severe form of haemorrhage, as well as his general medical condition, since, over the last two days, they considered his situation irreversible.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Sharon makes slight improvement

Yediot Aharonot: PM's CT scan shows slight improvement

CNN: Hospital: Sharon's condition 'serious' but stable

Reuters: Scan shows "small improvement" for Sharon: doctor

Related News:

Worry Over Sharon

Battling for his Life

Sharon in Surgery

[04] He Did not Order the Opening of the File Supreme Court Prosecutor Denies Rumours

Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos denied ever giving the order to reopen the file on Aggeliki Sellas murder on Corfu. Russian Maxim Zhelin, who in his testimony confessed killing Sella after stabbing her 17 times, was arrested and remanded in custody for the murder last October. "I never gave any orders concerning the case of Aggeliki Sellas murder on Corfu," declared Mr Linos, adding, "Any interested parties can submit any evidence they might have to the local prosecutors." The relatives of the unfortunate woman reported contradictions and inaccuracies, while they ask that the case be investigated in depth. The relatives of Maxim Zhelin in Siberia claim that the criminal fell victim to a Greek-Russian illegal immigrants ring.

[05] In Baghdad Reporter Abducted in Iraq

By Annita Paschalinou

According to Reuters, the Iraqi police announced the abduction of an American reporter. The reporter was abducted from Adel, west Baghdad, near an Islamite mosque while on her way to meet with a Sunni leader and interview him. Before abducting her, the unknown men murdered her translator. Earlier, at the Al Jadita quarter, a booby-trapped car exploded, injuring 13 people, including six Iraqi commandos.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Female US journalist kidnapped in Baghdad: police

CNN: Female journalist abducted in Iraq

[06] Next Hours Are Critical, Say Doctors Worry Over Sharon

By Annita Paschalinou

Doctors said Ariel Sharons condition, after undergoing a third operation on Friday, is critical but stable. The brain scan showed the bleeding stopped and pressure was back to normal. If everything proceeds as expected, doctors should be able to assess the extent of damage in the following days, when Ariel Sharon is weaned off drugs that are keeping him in an induced coma. However, according to medical sources, it is highly unlikely Sharon will ever return to the political scene, even if he recovers.

Concerns in the White House

There are intense concerns over Ariel Sharon's health in the White House. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cancelled her scheduled trip to Australia and Indonesia, because of the latest developments. At the same time, the US delegate for security in the Middle East has already returned to the region to have talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials. Ehud Olmer, deputy prime minister, has stepped in as acting Prime Minister now that Sharon is hospitalised. Elections have been scheduled for 28 March and some political analysts estimated that without Sharon anything is possible. However, two opinion polls conducted on Friday showed Sharon's centrist Kadima party would win 40 of the 120 seats, thus overcoming Likud, the party from which Sharon resigned, and the labour party.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Israelis keep vigil after Sharon's surgery

BBC: Anxious wait for Sharon prognosis

Related News:

Sharon in Surgery

Sharon in Critical Condition

Sharon Fights for his Life

[07] Major Win for Larissa

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Larissa took a significant step towards staying in basketballs A1 division, starting off the New Year successfully and scoring a home win over Makedonikos with 73-66. The top player for Larissa was Macey, who scored some significant points in the last minutes, while his 23 points overall were crucial for the victory. The score per period: 10-16, 35-32, 49-45, 73-66.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Maroussi Besieged Pylaia

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Maroussi started off the New Year successfully, after defeating PAOK with 74-68 in Pylaia Indoor Hall, in a game for round 10 of the A1 basketball championship. This was the 8th victory in 10 games for Panagiotis Yannakis squad, which remained in the top three spots in the rankings. On the other hand, PAOK sank even lower after this defeat. Blackney and Kyritsis scored 20 and 18 points respectively for Maroussi. The score per period: 16-19, 33-44, 55-58, 68-74.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Panathinaikos Scores Century

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos started off the A1 basketball championship in the New Year in the most impressive way, defeating Apollon Patras in the Olympic Stadium's Indoor Hall with a score of 110-88, for round 10. This was the first century-score for Zelimir Obradovics team in this years championship. Mike Batiste was the top scorer for Panathinaikos with 25 points. The score per period: 28-23, 57-42, 81-62, 110-88.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Right Foot First for Panathinaikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos started off the New Year and sealed round 15 of the Greek Division 1 football championship in the best possible way. The squad defeated Larissa in the Olympic Stadium with a score of 3-0, after a great performance, while the players will enter Karaiskakis Stadium next week for the derby against Olympiacos with a positive mentality. The top player for Panathinaikos was Fanis Gekas, who scored two out of the three goals, in the 57 and the 77. The final goal was scored by Tziolis in the 82. With this victory, the Athenian team now has 30 points, while Larissa remained at 17.

Referee: Vassaras (Thessaloniki) Yellow Cards: Seric Vela Junior

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Nilsson, Darlas (80 Vintra), Gonzales, Seric, Papadopoulos (72 Mantzios), Gekas, Charalambidis (73 Leontiou), Tziolis.

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Simos, Dabizas, Digozis, Bachramis (63 Papakostas), Vela Junior, Aloneftis, Serban (84 Tsiatsios), Kyparissis (53 Kalantzis), Galitsios.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Great Start for Egaleo

By Stathis Petropoulos

Tsatsos goal in the 89 was the best present ever for Giorgos Chatzaras and Egaleo, since the victory against Panionios in Nea Smyrni constitutes a great away three-pointer and a magnificent start for the team after the Christmas break. The performance of Chatzaras squad was not that impressive, while their opponents did not manage to achieve anything better, especially in the first half, when the game was quite slow. At one point, Panionios asked for a penalty, after Kampantais was overturned, but the referee did not award anything. So, in the 89, Tsatsos easily scored a goal, after receiving a cross from Nikolopoulos. Egaleo finished the game with ten players, as Christou was injured after all the substitutions had been made.

Referee: Flambouris (Athens) Yellow Cards: Smiljanic, Giannopoulos Maric, Psomas, Christou, Papoutsis

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Makos, Smiljanic, Giannopoulos (59 Kampantais), Gaspar, Magdy, Langer, Zografakis, Nalitzis (69 Exouzidis), Fernandez, Breska. EGALEO: Gennamo, Papoutsis, Psomas, Omo, Zapropoulos, Christou, Skopelitis, Chloros, Maric (46 Tsatsos), Agritis (63 Nikolopoulos), Cesarec (52 Popov).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Tough Victory for Panionios

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In an amazing game, Panionios defeated Olympia Larissa with a score of 84-80 in round 10 of the basketball championship, the first game for 2006. With this victory, Panionios reached 15 points, one point over Olympia. The game was close right from the start, with both teams taking the lead from time to time, but with Memos Ioannous squad leaving the court as winners. The best players for Panionios were Harvey (25 points) and Economou (22 points), while Mason scored 19 points for Olympia. The score per period: 21-13, 39-34, 53-59, 84-80.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Fifth Win for Panellinios

By Stathis Petropoulos

Agryris Pedoulakis players certified once again that they are in great shape, and Panellionios scored its fifth consecutive victory, in the first game after the Christmas break. The victim this time was Kolossos and the "crime scene" was on the island of Rhodes, where Panellinios won the game with a score of 80-53. The guests took an early lead and the gap kept increasing as the game continued. It is worth mentioning that this was Koprivicas first official appearance with Panellinios. The player scored 5 points, including a very impressive three-pointer. The score per period: 12-20, 24-38, 39-59, 63-80.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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