The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] It Isnt on the Table, Says Rice

17 Αυγ 2008 19:43:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

The issue of granting Pakistani President Musharraf asylum is not on the table, said Sunday US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

"This is an issue that is not on the table, and I just want to keep our focus on what we must do with the democratic government of Pakistan," said Rice during her interview with Fox News television.

The Pakistani government has given Musharraf until Sunday to step down.

Asked whether Musharrafs impeachment would benefit Pakistan, the US Secretary of State said that it is up to the Pakistanis.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] On a Coalition Government

17 Αυγ 2008 18:20:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

Zimbabwes governing party and the main opposition failed to reach a power-sharing agreement, despite the pressure exerted on them by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said a spokesman for opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Asked whether the two sides managed to find common ground, George Sibotshiwe said they did not.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Devetzi Clinches Bronze Medal

By Ampelakis Spyros

Greek champion Chrysopigi Devetzi clinched the bronze at the final of the Womens Triple Jump, jumping a best of 15.23m in her second attempt.

Devetzi entered the Birds Nest with a season best of 15.22m in her record. After her first jump, Devetzi was forth, but her jump at 15.23m earned her the second place.

However, her joy was short-lived, as Tatyana Lebedeva of Russia landed at 15.32m in her third jump, claiming the silver.

The Athens 2004 Triple Jump gold medallist, Francoise Mbango Etone of Cameroon, was the one who managed to step atop the podium. Setting a new Olympic record with a jump of 15.39, Cameroons gold girl finished first.

After her bronze jump, Greek champion Chrysopigi Devetzi, who had earned second place at the Athens Olympics, said she was feeling ready to set a world record and admitted she was quite surprised that so many athletes managed to surpass 15m.

"I was in a very good shape, but the outcome of the final was a surprise to me. I never expected the girl from Cameroon to win, but surprises do happen. Six girls jumped beyond 15m. Nothing like that has ever happened. I am happy, though, for I won a medal. Its not gold, but its ok. My goals remain high. All that matters is my presence here, that Im taking part in the Olympic Games. I had to clinch a medal for myself, my coach, Thanassis Sioutris, who has never left my side, my family, my husband, and the people of Greece, who have been very supportive. I have received thousands of emails. I thank them all."

Commenting on her tears shortly after the final, she argued: "They were tears of joy and sorrow, because I wanted to do my best in my last jump. I kept telling to myself that I can have a really big one. But the cramps didnt let me. I didnt have much time. I had them massaged, yet there was not enough time. I was so concentrated on the game that I could make a better performance. I dont know whether my failed attempt could be a world record, but I believed I could do that. To set a world record. As soon as I started suffering from cramps, I couldnt run. Thats why I cried, because I failed in my last jump. What matters the most is to have my legs rested, because of the preliminaries of the Long Jump on Tuesday morning. The good thing is that I wasnt injured. Ill get some rest so that I can be ready for Tuesday."

Commenting on Chalkias issue, the Greek runner who was tested positive to illegal substances, Devetzi said: "It is really sad, but Im going to say one thing... we are adults and responsible for our actions. The truth is that I was really upset."

Translated by Areti Christou

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