The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Devetzi Earns Silver Medal

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ANA

Holder of a silver Olympic medal in Triple Jump, Greek champion Chrysopigi Devetzi earned silver medal at the World Indoor Championships being held in Valencia, Spain. Flying to 15 metres, Devetzi smashed the Greek record. Reigning World Championship Triple Jump gold medallist Yargelis Savigne of Cuba landed first place with 15.05m, outwinning Devetzi at the last jump. This was the second medal Devetzi has won at World Indoor Championships, following the bronze she claimed in Budapest in 2004. However, she was rather disappointed, as she yet again lost the gold at the last jump. It wasnt meant to be. Up until the last jump I was leading the race, yet another athlete took it from me in the end. I performed excellently, I did my very best, yet I didnt get the gold. I can hardly believe it. I was certain about the medal and I expected to finish first. Savignes performance up until the fifth jump was not at all promising. She had one good jump and she beat me, said the Greek champion, who added yet another medal to her rich collection.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] On the FYROM Name Dispute

08 Mar 2008 20:32:00 (Last updated: 08 Mar 2008 21:21:36)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Diplomatic talks on the FYROM name issue continue. FYROM is most likely to be denied invitation to join the North-Atlantic Alliance at the NATO Summit in April unless it gives up on its intransigence. In her interview with Sunday paper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia , Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said that there was still time for the two sides to reach an agreement. She also reiterated that Greece would veto the neighbouring countrys participation in the talks to be held in Bucharest. In the meantime, Greece and FYROM are waiting for a new initiative by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz.

New Initiative by Matthew Nimetz

Aiming at having talks between Athens and Skopje intensified, Matthew Nimetz is expected to signal the commencement of a new round of talks.

One of the scenarios taken into account, have said diplomatic sources, wants the US official to be inviting the two sides to a European city.

Athens has claimed that FYROM cannot be invited to the Alliance as long as the name dispute remains unsolved. "As longs as there is no mutually acceptable solution, Greece cannot give its consent," Bakoyannis told Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia.

In the meantime, media in FYROM have interpreted US Undersecretary of State Daniel Frieds surprise visit to the country to hold talks with its leaders as USAs effort to exert pressure.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] The Pension Bill

08 Mar 2008 19:57:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The pension bill is to be discussed Tuesday at the Parliaments relevant committee. All opposition parties have blasted the pension reforms, while the trade unions are prepping themselves for new mobilizations. In her interview with Sunday paper Kathimerini tis Kyriakis, Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia underlined that the pension reform would allow citizens to enjoy better services and better living standards in the future. Opposition parties, on the other hand, have blasted the changes in the social security system, while evidence has suggested that the trade unions reactions will culminate in the coming week.

Translated by Areti Christou

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