The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] End of Hostilities

12 Áõã 2008 16:33:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA, Reuters, AFP

Diplomatic initiatives regarding Caucasus are emerging after Russian Presidents, Dmitry Medvedev statement about halt of Russian military operations in Georgia. The Georgian government, however, maintains that Russia continue pounding Georgian villages near South Ossetia. On its part, Russia categorically denies Georgias claims. Georgian troops have pulled out from Kondori gorge, a disputed region in Abkhazia, where according to civilians in Georgia, Russian armored vehicles are moving, said Georgian Interior Ministry on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, the Russian President had assured Xavie Solana that hostilities were ending while US ambassador to the UN described the development as positive.

In the meantime, French President, Nikola Sarkozy is having a meting in Moscow with Dmitry Medvedev in the presence of Prime-minister, Vladimir Putin. Before the meeting, the French President said that end of hostilities was "good news" and appealed for implementation of "ceasefire". Next, Nikolas Sarkozy is to fly to Tbilisi for talks with his Georgian counterpart. NATOs pledge that Georgia will one day become a member of the alliance still stands said NATO general secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Greek National Basketball Team Triumphs

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ANA

Greece left a close first quarter to run away with the score, beating Germany 87-64 in their group B preliminary game of the Olympic Men's Basketball tournament on August 12. Greece's Vasileios Spanoulis led the charge with 23 points and five assists. Dirk Nowitzki topped the German team with 13 points and six rebounds. This victory leaves Greece undefeated in the tournament, while Germany is adding its second straight loss.

[03] Tsakmakis Seventh

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In Mens Slalom final C1 competition, Christos Tsakmakis ranked seventh at the 29th Beijing Olympic Games with with a time of 186.67 seconds. Slovakian Michael Martikan won the gold medal with 176.65 seconds, British David Florence the silver medal with 178.61 seconds and Australian Robin Bell the bronze medal with 180.59 seconds.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] A Chance for OSE

12 Áõã 2008 14:59:00

By Alexandros Moz

The plan for the reconstruction and reorganization of Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) was presented today by minister of Transport and Communication Mr. Kostis Hatzigakis

The materialization of a complete and organized plan which is going to lead to the survival of Hellenic Railways includes constitutional, organizational and financial actions incorporated in 3 basic axons such as security, transparency, reorganization and development.

The basic goal is the reduction of big losses that rise to 7 billion euros and are expected to reach 12,5 billion euros within two years. The plan also targets at the preparation of the organizations full disengagement from state, allowing that way big European railway businesses and private companies to claim share in OSE, starting from 2011.

The reorganization plan must be put into effect until 2010, a year that is very important for Hellenic and European railways due to the disengagement from state of passengers transportation as well as due to the abolition of state guarantees regarding loans.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Thessaloniki Crime

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

An unknown man set ambush to Armenian couple during their evening outing in Neapolis, Thessaloniki. He fired at the couple, while they were eating at a pizza restaurant, at 32 Andreas Papandreou St., and ran away. The incident occurred on Monday evening at a crowded place in Neapolis. Thessaloniki police are carrying out investigations taking into consideration also option of passion crime.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Elvira Efstathiou Unlucky

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Elvira Efstathiou did not make it to woman butterfly 200m although in the preliminaries she finished first, lowering her individual record to 2:13.27. Bad was Aris Grigoriadis performance, who finished 6th place in the four lap preliminary race covering the distance in 50:62 far above his individual record of 49:51.Romanos Alyfantis came 5th place in 200m breast preliminaries. The Greek team came 15th place in the 4x 200m men freestyle relay.

[07] 2nd Loss for Greek Water Polo Team

By Thanasis Karlos

Greeces Men water polo team was downed 17-6 by Hungary, suffering their second defeat in the Olympic water polo tournament. The Greek team has to win Montenegro to avoid elimination. A really stunning performance earned the Dutch a five goal lead (7-2) at the end of the first period. The Greek team tried to balance the game in the second period, it failed to deprive the Dutch team an easy victory.

Score per period: 2-7, 2-2, 1-4, 1-4

Translated by Areti Christou

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