The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-16

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Georgia Has Already Signed

16 Αυγ 2008 10:06:00 (Last updated: 16 Αυγ 2008 15:36:32)

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, Reuters, AFP

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Dmitri Medvienev finally signed the peace plan for the end of hostilities with Georgia for seceesed South Ossetia. The plan has been presented to Russia by EU President Nicola Sarkozy.

A Kremlin spokesman informed the Security Council members today that Russia had signed the six-point plan.

Earlier, in a telephone conversation, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev discussed issues related to the final signing of the peace agreement with Georgia.

The EU President also reported that Mr Medvedev assured him that he would sign the agreement and abide to his commitment to withdraw Russian forces from Georgia.

The agreement text, which was presented to Moscow and Tbilisi Tuesday by EU President Sarkozy, was signed by Georgian President Michael Saakashvili in the presence of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

After signing the peace agreement in the presence of Ms Rice Friday, Georgian President Michael Saakashvili stressed that a part of Georgia is still under Russian occupation.

He also stressed that Georgia will not allow Russia to keep a single square metre of its territory.

Mr Saakashvili accused the West of not reacting strongly to Russias moves and of not allowing Georgia to join NATO, describing Russia dangerous and evil for the whole world.

Rice Statements

US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice stressed that the Russian forces should withdraw from Georgia immediately after the peace agreement is signed.

She also accused Russian President Medvedev of not keeping his promise to end all military operations in Georgia, adding that peace agreement signed by the Georgian President is not binding the future of Georgian territories.

Meanwhile, after his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr Medvedev reported that although Russia does not wish its relations to deteriorate with the West it will react if Russian citizens are attacked then Russia will react in order to protect them. He also stated that after this months hostilities, he believes that South Ossetia and Abkhazia will not wish to be part of Georgia.

Ms Merkel, from her side stressed that the resolution of the crisis should respect Georgias territorial integrity.

Bush Issues Message

US President George Bush has described Russias actions "absolutely unacceptable" demanding from Moscow to end the crisis.

He also added that he would send Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Brussels next week to meet with the EU and NATO Foreign Ministers and European officials.

Meanwhile, following a US request, NATO Foreign ministers will meet Tuesday to examine Russias aggressiveness against Georgia.

From her side, Ms Rice stated that NATO will discuss the consequences from Russias aggressiveness and the future of NATO-Russia relations.

In reply to a question as to whether Washington will re-examine Russias participation in international organizations and its possible entry to the World Trade Organisation, State Department spokesman Edward Wood stressed that the US will examine Russias conduct to decide whether Moscow is a serious partner or not in international organizations.

International Court at The Hague

The International Court at The Hague has announced that will examine Georgias recourse against Russia on national cleansing from 8-10 September.

As per the UNHR, 118,000 people have been forced out of their homes since the outbreak of clashes in South Ossetia last week.

Finally, Mr Bush stressed Russia should see that the crisis ends and its relations with the US, Europe and other states are restored.

In parallel, the US Pentagon has reported that two military aircrafts will transfer 86 tons of humanitarian aid to Tbilisi, adding that two more aircrafts, carrying food and medical aid will arrive in Georgia today.

Distribution of Financial Aid to Expatriate Hellenes Begins

General Consul in Novorosisk Theodoros Economu-Kamarinos, who is presently at Vladikavkaz, has begun distributing the distribution of financial aid (500 euros per person) to each expatriate Hellene in the belligerent parts of South Ossetia.

In cooperation with the expatriate Hellenes "Promitheas" Association in Ossetia, the Greek Consul has recorded about 52 expatriate Hellenes, who had been living in Tshinvali and the nearby area, most of whom are refugees.

The Dead Remain Unburried

South Ossetia has requested Georgia to collect its dead, who remain unburried after the battles.

The General Prosecutor reported that although his country has no contact with the Georgian authorities, South Ossetia is willing to return the bodies of the dead to their families.

Meanwhile, as the freezing system of the local morgue is out of order the identification of the deceased has become a difficult task.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Faster than the Wind

By

The world record holder from Jamaica Usain Bolt achieved a phenomenal performance who set the 100m world record of 9.72sec. It was the sixth fastest time in the world this year and so cool was the 22-year-old that he even glanced from side to side as he ambled down the track. He said: "I just ran the first 50 metres. Then I looked around to make sure I was safe and I shut it off." It left former Olympic champion and world record holder Donovan Bailey behind. Bailey, the Canadian whose winning time of 9.84sec at the Atlanta Games is still the Olympic record, said: "The track is lightning fast and were witnessing the Tiger Woods of track and field.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Tsatoumas-Iakovakis in the Finals

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greek champion Louis Tsatoumas jumped 8.27 meters achieving a personal best (8.15) and advanced to the finals of Long Jump. Tsatoumas seems to be in a great shape and will fight for a medal. Periklis Iakovakis finished fourth in the semi finals race of 400 meters hurdling with a time of 48:69, breaking his personal record.

Tsatouma' Statements

"Now I am alright", was Tsatoumas first words in journalists who were waiting for his statements. "I achieved what I wanted: the first jump to get me to the finals. I also want a similar good jump in order secure a place in the first eight athletes and another 5 jumps to be able to establish a better performance". Tsatoumas also referred on his recent injury in his angle. "I had an injury in my left angle a few days before. But now I am alright", the Greek athlete said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Fresh Provocation from FYROM

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

UN envoy Matthew Nimetz will visit Skopje next week to discuss the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name-issue. At the same time, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice insists that the resolution of the issue should not serve as a precondition for FYROM to join NATO. Meanwhile, FYROM has proved provocative for one more time. After Gruevskis letters in relation to a Macedonian minority existing in Greece, the President of the FYROM Parliament sent similar letters to the Presidents of EU Parliaments and Presidents of Parliamentary Assemblies of international organizations, as well as to other powerful countries.

At the same time, Athens has called on FYROM to hold serious negotiations, while President Branko Tservenkofski criticized PM Nicola Gruevski for raising the issue of the so-called "Macedonian Orthodox Church".

On a relative development, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis criticized the FYROM PM on NET 105.8. She said that Mr Gruevski is avoiding discussing the name issue, adding that Mr Gruevskis national hysteria is not a solution. "The issues raised by him are not included in Mr Nimetzs agenda," she said.

Ms Bakoyannis ruled out the possibility for Skopje to join international organizations without first resolving the name-issue, adding that all Greek political parties share identical views on national issues.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

New Round of Contacts

[05] 70 Archaeological Sites under the Moonlight

16 Αυγ 2008 14:17:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ

According to a decision taken by the Central Archaeological Council, ancient Greek monuments will remain open on Saturday 16th for all August full moon nights lovers. Entrance will be free for all romantics who wish to enjoy the full moon. For that reason participation is expected to be risen this year. 70 archeological sites are expected to be open around Greece from 7:00 to 01:30 after midnight. According to Ministry of Culture, 250.000 euros funds have been provided for a series of events taking place in 70 Archeological sites and Monuments where theatrical plays and music concerts will take place. Minister of Culture, Michalis Liapis will attend exhibitions in the Fortress of Pylos, Messinia prefecture and then he will watch a theatrical play in Kalamata at the framework of cultural events taking place around Greece entitled "Under the Moonlight" for all August full moon lovers.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Fight with Flames

16 Αυγ 2008 17:53:00

By

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A fire broke out in a factory of plastics and recycling in Agioi Theodoroi. Fire brigade forces arrived immediately in nearby residencies and in Motor Oil installations. The fire broke out just before 2:00 in the morning and was quickly spread. Firemen as well as the owner fought with flames. Residents denounce that security measures were not adhered. The fire caused major destruction burning vehicles but fortunately it was not spread factories and installations of Motor Oil. Investigation has been ordered on the case.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Cancelation and Agony

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The medal races of the Yngling (Womens Keelboat) have been cancelled on Saturday, August 16, due to lack of wind at Course A of Qingdao International Sailing Center. Sofia Bekatorou, Sofia Papadopoulou and Virginia Kravarioti are fighing for the bronze medal. The Greek crew ranks third with 42 points. Meanwhile, Iordanis Paschalidis and Kostas Trigonis rank fourth in the Tornado category. In mens 470 category, Andreas Kosmatopoulos and Andreas Papadopoulos rank 12th. The final race for Finn will be held Sunday, with Emilios Papathanasiou ranking 15th. In Laser Radial Eftychia Mantzarakis ranks 20th, while Vangelis Cheimonas is in the 18th position.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] 146 gm. Of Ketamine and 1.000 euros Confiscated

16 Αυγ 2008 13:38:00

By

Sources: ANA-MNA

A 26 years old bouncer who was also arrested in 2005 along with another 27 members of an illegal network of provision of security in nighclubs in Patra, were the heads of a group that was trafficking drugs in Mykonos Island. The 26 years old was arrested by Mykonos police officers. Police found 50 gr. of ketamine and 1.000 euros in his possession while the other members, 23, 23, and 24 years old possessed 96 gr. of the same substance. The 26 years old was released under restrictive orders ad the case will be heard and determined in September 3, 2008.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Restoration Works in Achaia

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

Following the 8 June quake, restoration works for quake-hit schools in Achaia are proceeding at fast pace, with the expection of some delays at Egion Municipality.

In parallel, the progress of works on Agios Andreas Hospital of Patras is satisfactory. There is optimism that the works will conclude within the desired deadlines.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] Fire Fronts

16 Αυγ 2008 11:26:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

Fires in Gardiki and Saloniki (Thesprotia), as well as at Pyli, near Mantoudi-Evia are still burning.

Meanwhile, a fresh fire has broken out in Astra, between Ilia and Achaia prefectures.

Five fire engines are operating in the area, while more forces to contain the fire are expected to arrive.

The fires in Amarantos (Konitsa), Aridaia, Sami (Kefalonia) and Ligouri (Argolida) are abating.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Foreigner in Kypseli Murdered

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

As per latest indications, the victim was a 25-year-old Romanian, who had been living with his wife and other relatives in the apartment. It appears that his wife and relatives were absent yesterday.

As per the coroner, the man had been stabbed once on the back.

Neighbours told the police that the man had guests with whom he consumed alchoholic drinks. It appears that later they quarreled and noise was heard.

Then, a fire broke out and when the Fire Brigade arrived it found the man charred. It is believed that the man was first stabbed and then set on fire to eliminate evidence.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[12] 7 Gold Medals for Phelps

By

U.S. phenom Michael Phelps tied Mark Spitzs record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics, taking the mens 100-meter butterfly by one hundredth of a second for his seventh swim title Saturday in Beijing. The 23-year-old Phelps could break Spitzs record set at the 1972 Olympics if the U.S. wins tomorrows 400-medley relay.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] Dova Eliminated from Semi-finals

By Ampelakis Spyros

In Womens 400 metres, Dimitra Dova failed in qualifying after finishing fifth with 52,69.

Sanya Richards of the United States blasted through the finish line first in the first round of the Womens 400m in 50.54 seconds on August 16 at the National Stadium.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Greek National Basketball Team Excells

By Ampelakis Spyros

Sources: ANA-Eurobasket News

The Greek national Basketball team was too strong for Angola in fourth day of the Olympic Games in Beijing, crashing the Angolan team 102-61 and ranking third in Prelimenary Group B. Now Greece has hopes for the quarterfinals. Greece was a way better team from the early beginning. After quick 5-0 for Angola, Greece immediately answered creating 12-0 run. Until the end of the opening stanza Angola made another mini 5-0 series for 12-11. Second period totally belonged to Greece. Very soon Greece made double digit lead mostly owing to Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81). Later, actually after triple by Nikos Zisis (195-G-83), Greece went to the half time having comfortable plus 15. Nothing has changed after the breather. Petros Bourousis (203-F-87) shined at the offensive end and which resulted with huge 62-35 at the middle of third quarter. At that point of game it was already clear that Angolans are not able seriously to threat against ex European champion. Greece ended this game having pretty good 60% for FG2 and 56% from behind the arc.

This time Greece got the most from Petros Bourousis, who added 22 points and 5 boards. Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 14 while Andreas Glyniadakis followed with 11 points. Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-G-86,) also had important role for the winning team adding 10 points and 5 rebounds. In the next round of the Olympics Greece will play an extremely important game against China.

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