The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-18

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Festive Atmosphere

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ΑNA/ΜPA

The Hellenic Olympic Committee interview with the athletes who won the three first Olympic medals for Greece was held in a festive atmosphere at the Hellenic House in Beijing. Happiness prevailed among athletes and officials in the sports sector while many warm wishes for similar successes were extended as expectations for more successes to come are high. There was also reference to doping cases and particularly to Fani Halkia, who failed the WADA doping test.

Congratulations-Halkia

The president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Minos Kyriakou, Sports undersecretary, Ioannis Ioannidis and IOC A deputy-president, Lambis Nikolaou welcomed and congratulated the Olympic medal winners, Basilis Polimeros and Dimitris Mougios who won silver medal in rowing, Sophia Bekatorou, Sophia Papadopoulou and Birginia Tsouderou who won bronze medal in sailing and Pigi Demertzi who won bronze medal in triple jump.

"Unfortunately, the head of the delegation, Isidoros Koubelos could not attend this festive morning, we have been expecting for many days, as he had to meet with IOC to apologize for Fani Halkia case", said Mr. Kyriakou.

The first of the Olympic medal winners to speak was Sophia Bekatorou, who expressed her happiness for the first Olympic medal for Greece, followed by other athletes on the same day. She also expressed conviction that Greek athletes will win more medals in sailing. Twice Olympic medal winner Basilis Polymeros said that himself and Dimitris Mougios had worked very hard and assured that there are many athletes training hard and preparing themselves for 2012 Olympic Games. Pigi Demetzi explained that her tears was a mixed feeling of happiness because she won the bronze medal and disappointment because in her third attempt in the triple jump she believed she could make a world record.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Related News:

First Medals

[02] Russian Pullout Has Commenced

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA-MPA 105.8

Under the French-brokered peace deal, the Russian peacekeeping troops have started pulling out of the war zone, Colonel-General Anatoly Nogovitsyn said during a daily briefing. The Georgian Interior Ministry, on the other hand, blamed the Russian forces for destroying military bases prior to their pullout. At the same time, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev warned that any new attack on Russian citizens would be met with a "crushing blow."

Earlier, the Georgian head of state had vied to reach out towards Russia, requesting negotiations with Moscow to avoid a divorce between the two countries.

On Monday morning, South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity declared a state of emergency in the region, sidestepping the countrys government. He also claimed he would object the deployment of international observers in the breakaway province, yet he would ask Russia to create a permanent military base there.

Russia would review its relations with NATO following the "unacceptable" statements by NATO officials on Moscows role in the conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia, commented Monday the Russian permanent representative to NATO.

On Tuesday, under a US request, the NATO Foreign Ministers will hold an unscheduled sitting on the Caucasus standoff in Brussels. Russia crossed the line in Georgia, said the German Foreign Minister. In the meantime, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will sign Wednesday in Warsaw an official agreement with her Polish counterpart on the installation of the much-talked-about anti-missile shield.

Russia Says There Is no Pullout, Says Georgia

Russia did not withdraw its troops from Georgia, the situation did not change, there was no pullout, argued Monday the secretary of Georgias Security Council.

At the same time, the Georgian Interior Minister blasted Monday the Russian forces for destroying Georgian ammunition and weaponry at a base near the western town of Senaki, ahead of a planned withdrawal from Georgia.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

In Expectance of Withdrawal

[03] Karamanlis-Pavlopoulos Cooperation

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

In view of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair ND (Conservatives) and PASOK (Socialists) cadres are in their positions. Commencing a round of contacts with governments as of today, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and discussed migration.

As per the minister, 3.8% of the EU population is third country nationals and 1.5 million immigrants penetrate the EU every year. He referred to the crucial issue of illegal migration on which Greece had taken measures for the first time. One of these measures is the founding of Host Centres for immigrants, operating across Greece.

In parallel, Mr Pavlopoulos stated that Greece and the prime minister would play a leading role in the solution of the issue, due to be raised at the European Meeting in October. Prior to that, the issue will be raised at the EU Interior Minsiters meeting in Brussels at the end of September.

The prime minister will also meet with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis this week to discuss domestic economy and finalize Mr Karamanliss announcement due to be made at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Government officials will also focus on tax measures.

All in Their Positions

Meanwhile, PASOK (Socialists) cadres are in their positions as of today in view of its autumn counter attack. Party President George Papandreou will hold meetings on the 3 September anniversary and his presence in the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Mr Papandreou will visit the prefecture of Ilia at the end of the week to deliver the self-governments a cheque equal to 30% of the state subsidy received by PASOK. Soon, PASOK will focus its opposition policy on the civilians problems and the situation in the economy.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] To Face Argentina

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ΑNA

Excellent performance of Greeces basketball team in the first halftime led to a 91-77 victory against China in day 5, the final day of stage A of Beijing Olympics basketball tournament. The game completed the brackets for the medal rounds. Although China threatened the Greek team in the second quarter it failed to beat Greece. The national basketball team finished third in pool B with 3 victories and 2 defeats and will play Argentina. The Americans would face the winner of Argentina-Greece in the semifinals. Top players in todays game were Vasileios Spanoulis and Ioannis Bourousis, each scored 19 points and Antonios Fotsis added 17 points for Greeces victory. Yao Ming, who didnt score a basket until late in the second quarter, led China (2-3) with 18 points.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Awaiting Halkia's Second Sample

18 Αυγ 2008 13:35:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

On the occasion of the latest doping case involving Greek champion Fani Halkia, Greeces Culture Minister Michael Liapis made rather sharp comments.

"I wish to express not only my disappointment but also my anger on the new doping case. The state has shown zero tolerance. The win-medal-at-all-cost attitude is a far cry from fair play," commented Liapis.

"These cases have made the institutional intervention we [Greek government] are pushing forward an imperative. As soon as Parliament opens, we will submit a package of new provisions that will allow a stricter and more effective doping crackdown and revise the athletes privileges."

"We cannot afford to let a few tarnish the efforts of the Greek athletes. We are determined to put an end. Those who are not clean have no place in the Greek teams. We should all claim our responsibilities towards the future of the Greek athletes."

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Withdrawal of Greek Troops from Kosovo

18 Αυγ 2008 13:34:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

In its announcement, the GCP stresses that the signing of US-Poland agreement signals the materialization of the so called anti-missile shield in Europe which entails great dangers for all peoples. "The EU shares responsibility as it has approved its installation as well as the Greek government for agreeing to enter into the anti-missile system. The Greek people must not remain viewers. They must react along with the peoples of Europe to avert installation of anti-missile shield in Europe", stresses the GCP announcement.

The GCP also demands withdrawal of Greek troops from Kosovo. "It is an occupation force which protects the dangerous for the peoples and for peace independence of Kosovo, promoted by the US and the EU adds the announcement.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Escaped Convict

18 Αυγ 2008 13:15:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

A Korydallos prison, 27 year-old escapee convict was arrested at 11:00 this morning, suspect of being one of the organizers of Basilis Paleokostas and Albanian Alket Rizai escapefrom Korydallos prison in June, 2006. According to police, the 27 year-old was one of the two men who at gun point threatened the pilot of the helicopter to land at the prisons yard and airlift Paleokostas and Rizai. The 27 year-old was arrested in Agrinio while he will be transferred to Athens to face public prosecutor.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Musharraf Resigns

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has finally resigned from his post as president to avoid impeachment. However, he stressed that he would continue serving his country until he dies. He also pointed out that the Pakistani people would forgive him for his mistakes as President.

Musharraf seized power while army chief in 1999 and declared emergency rule and firing the countrys top judges last November. The head of the Senate will be acting as president for the time being. A new president, with a five-year term is expected to be elected within 30 days.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Bomb Explosion-Exchange of Fire

18 Αυγ 2008 09:12:00

Sources: ΑNA

The Lebanese army opened fire after a homemade bomb was thrown in the city of Tripoli, the south port that has seen bloody clashes in the last months between the Sunni and Shiite rival factions. "The army fired at the place from where the bomb was thrown, in a sector separating (Sunni-majority) Bab al-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen" where Alawites live, an army spokesman said.Witnesses said that two bombs had been thrown and an exchange of fire ensued between the two sides for 10 minutes before the army intervened. According to the spokesman no one had been hurt during the last incident.At least 23 people have been killed since the violence started in May between the residents of Jabal Mohsen, who mostly back the opposition led by the Shiite Hezbollah, and those of Bab al-Tebbaneh who support the anti-Syrian majority.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Iakovakis Finished 8th in 400m Hurdles

By Nasos Bratsos

Periklis Iakovakis of Greece finished eighth in the Mens 400m Hurdles final. The USA swept all three medals. Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement and Bershawn Jackson won gold, silver and bronze medals with times of 47.25s, 47.98s, and 48.06s respectively.

"My bicep injury didnt let me give the best of me. It hurt while reaching the ninth hurdle, I got scared and I stopped. I could have let it go, but then I would suffer a bigger injury. The last 40 days had been a real nightmare. Those who claimed that Iakovakis would retire this year were wrong. I will go all the way to London," commented Iakovakis after the race.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Tsatoumas Fails in Long Jump Final

By Ampelakis Spyros

Greek Louis Tsatoumas performance at the final of the Long Jump was rather disappointing. The Greek champion had three failed jumps and was eliminated. So, he missed the chance to claim an Olympic medal in Beijing, although he could have done so.

Obviously disappointed, Tsatoumas said: "When one makes it at such a level, everything is possible. I wanted a medal so badly and I guess I put a lot more effort than needed. Thats why I had three failed jumps. It is harsh to be eliminated with three failed efforts. I never expected that."

[12] Greek Weightlifter Kourtides Finished 8th

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Although Nikos Kourtides performance in weightlifting beat all expectations, the Greek 105kg weightlifting champion failed to reach the final eight. Having been prepared for only a month and a half, the 22yo Greek champion lifted 221kg in the Clean and Jerk followed by 176kg in the Snatch and finished tenth in A Group. The gold medal was awarded to Belarusian champion Andrei Aramnau who shattered three world records, lifting a total of 436kg. Russian Dmitriy Klokov and Dmitry Lapikov finished second and third, respectively.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Fresh Defeat for Greek Water Polo Team

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

In Mens Water Polo competition, Greece suffered one more defeat in Beijing, loosing from Spain 10-6. It was certain that Greece would rank fifth and fight for positions 7-12, due to play against China, its first rival. Spain ranked second and will face Serbia in the semi-finals.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Papadopoulou in Hammer Throw Finals

By Thanasis Karlos

Stella Papadopoulou ranked 6th in women hammer throw preliminary B group and 12th general rank with a 69.36m throw, advancing to the finals. Alexandra Papageorgiou did not advance to the finals. Kostas Doubalidis went through to men 110m hurdles semifinals while Dimitris Tsiamis did not make it to men triple jump finals.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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