The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Goodbye.. without Victory

By Thanasis Karlos

In Group B, the Women's Water Polo team was eliminated by Hungary 10-4. Greece will play their last game of the Olympics on Sunday, August 17, in the seventh-eighth play-off with Russia. Hungary from its side qualified in the semifinals.

[02] Heading for a Medal

Vassilis Polymeros and Dimitris Mougios have qualified to progress to Sundays final A of Lightweight Mens Double Sculls. The Greek crew was heading the race all the time, ending first with 6:25.64. It is worth mentioning that three crews from the two semifinals progress to Sundays final A.

Biskitzi/Tsiavou in Lightweight Women's Double Sculls Final

Chrysa Biskitzi and Alexandra Tsiavou ended third in the second semifinals of the Lightweight Womens Double Sculls with 7.11.99 qualifying for the final. Three crews from the two semifinals progress to Sundays final A.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] New Round of Contacts

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN envoy Matthew Nimetz will hold a new round of talks in Skopje next week, while US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice insists that the name-issue should not constitute a prerequisite for FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) to join NATO. Meanwhile, Athens has asked from FYROM to be serious with the negotiations, while FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski criticized strongly Prime Minister Nicolas Gruevskis decision to raise the issue of the so-called "Macedonian" Orthodox Church.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Implementation of Truce Complicate

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 , ΑNA

Moscow has described its forces "peacekeeping", at a time when as per President Saakashvili the Russian army is advancing in Georgian territory and is controlling 1/3 of its territory, despite the peace agreement. At the same time, rapes and looting is taking place. The Georgian President told a Russian newspaper that negotiations with Russia should focus on the withdrawal of the Russian troops, adding that Georgia would not compromise with Moscow. Meanwhile, as per the State Department, on the basis of the peace agreement, the Russian troops are entitled to carry out patrols only in specific areas of Georgia, near the border with South Ossetia and Abkhazia. At the same time, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has arrived in Tbilisi today to confirm the US support to Georgia.

As per foreign correspondents, Moscow has troops in Gori, Poti port and Zugdidi.

At the same time, the UN Secretary General has stated that humanitarian aid cannot reach many parts of Georgia and South Ossetia. In parallel, following his meeting with South Ossetia and Abkhazia leaders, Russian President Medvedev stated that he would support their decisions. The two leaders reported that they are striving for their countries independence. Referring to the Kosovo issue, Moscow insists that pressure cannot be implemented to the seceded provinces so that they come under Georgias control.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to meet with the Russian President near the Georgian border, in an attempt to de-escalate tension in the region.

Finally, Poland has reached an agreement with the USA to allow the US install part of the anti-missile system on its territory, for which Moscow is reacting intensely.

Problems in the Distribution of Humanitarian Aid

The distribution of the biggest part of humanitarian aid sent to Georgia for thousands of refugees has been hindered by anarchy stated UN coordinator in Georgia Robert Watkins.

He said paramilitary and criminal groups are taking advantage of the uncertainty prevailing in the area and the lack of administrative authorities and the police.

As per HCR, abou t 118,000 people have fled from the battle zones around the autonomous Georgian areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which are now under the control of guerillas and the Russian Armed Forces.

Finally, the death of the 78-year-old expatriate Hellene Ivan Michailidis in South Ossetia has been confirmed. The number of Greek refugees in Vladikavkas in Russia has reached 25, while the Greek government has promised to offer them financial aid.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

On Taut Rope

[05] Records in Swimming

By Nasos Bratsos

Michael Phelps continued his attack on winning a record eight gold medals on Friday pocketing his sixth at the National Aquatics Center, this time in the 200m Individual Medley. He swam yet another world record, saving 0.57 seconds off the mark he set at the US trials in July this year. Phelps was never in trouble and led comfortably throughout, touching the wall in 1:54.23. Phelps teammate Ryan Lochte won the silver medal in a European record time of 1:56.52.Rebecca Soni of the United States caused a sensation in the Womens 200m Breaststroke final by downing world record holder Leisel Jones of Australia to win the gold medal in a World record 2:20.22.

[06] Sailing: Greece in Third Place

In sailing: Yngling that will be completed on Saturday Sofia Bekatorou, Sofia Papadopoulou and Virginia Kravarioti are heading for a medal. The Greek crew is on third place at the end of the 8th race. In Laser, Vaggelis Heimonas finished 13h. In Laser Radial Eftychia Mantzaraki is on the 18th place, in RSX Nikos Kaklamanakis is 8th overall and Antonia Frai is placed 18th. In Mens 470, Andreas Kosmatopoulos and Andreas Papadopoulos are 8th and Aimilios Papathanasiou finished 15th in Finn. After the completion of the first race in Tornado, Ioannis Paschalidis and Kostas Trigonis occupy the second place.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Rowing: Biskitzi/Tsiavou in the Finals

By Thanasis Karlos

After a hard effort the Greek duo, Chrysa Biskitzi/Alexandra Tsiavou achieved the third place in the second semi finals of rowing: womens weighlight double scull with a time 7.11.00 and took the ticket for the finals of the competition. Eventhough the Greek crew made a bad start, it fight back and in the last meters of the race managed to finish third.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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