The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cold War Climate

21 Áõã 2008 20:29:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

Russia has halted all military cooperation with NATO, the Western alliance said Thursday, in the latest sign of East-West tension over the invasion of Georgia. Alliance spokeswoman Carmen Romero said NATO had received notification through military channels that Russias Defense Ministry had taken a decision "to halt international military cooperation events between Russia and NATO countries until Rissias political leadership takes a decision". Norway, Estonia and Latvia, members of NATO said Wednesday that Moscow had told them it was suspending military Earlier Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that NATO needs Russia more than Moscow needs NATO cooperation over the crisis in Georgia. Lavrov hinted that the freeze could have an impact on NATOs mission in Afghanistan. Moscow signed an agreement with NATO in April authorizing the alliance to send non-lethal supplies to its troops in Afghanistan through Russian territory. Under a 2002 agreement that set up the NATO-Russia Council, the former Cold War foes began several cooperation projects. They include sharing expertise to combat heroin trafficking out of Afghanistan, developing battlefield anti-missile technology, joint exercises and help with rescue at sea. In the meantime, all Russian forces, except for 500 Russian soldiers who will remain in the security zone around South Ossetia would quit Georgias heartland by Friday night said Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. As of Monday 20 peacekeepers of OSCE will be in South Ossetia to observe ceasefire. At the same time, Georgias President Saakasvili said that Russian forces are withdrawing from urban centers to be redeployed in strategic positions. During Fridays meeting of Prime-minister, K.Karamanlis and Defense Minister, baggelis Meimarakis talks will focus on the situation in Caucasus and Russia-NATO relations.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Tsoumeleka Good Performance

21 Áõã 2008 18:29:00

Under adverse weather conditions, Athens gold medal winner in 20km walk race, Athanasia Tsoumeleka finished 9th achieving a new panhellenic record of 1:27.54 against her last record 1:29.12 during the Athens Olympic Games. Evangelia Xynou finished 25th in 1:32.19, her new individual record, and Despoina Zapounidou 41th in 1:39.11.The Greek athletes thanked the people for their support despite the heavy rain and said that participation in the Olympic games is a unique experience.

Tornado duo Trigonis and Pashalidis ranked 10th overall as their sail got torn at the start of the race and could not follow the others. They stood third place till the eighth race.

Andreas Kiligarides of Greece failed to grab one of the three qualifying spots in the semis for the Mens Flatwater Canoe Single (C1) 500m and was eliminated ranking fifth.

Spiros Gianniotis in 10km men marathon swimming finished 17th overall despite his super efforts during the largest part of the race. He expressed his grief because he was sure of a good performance but as he said he was not psychologically ready and disappointed those who believed in him.

Kallinikos Kreanga of Greece made it up to the 16 of the Table Tennis Mens Single competition as he was beaten 4-0 by Chinese Lee Man.

Antonia Stergiou in woman high jump ranked 24th overall and was eliminated from finals. Nantia Efentaki finished 10th in first preliminary women 1.500m race and eliminated from finals. Giannis Smalios in men javelin with 71.87m best throw ranked 27th and eliminated from finals.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] FYROM

21 Áõã 2008 20:03:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

UN Secretary General special envoy, Mathew Nimitz had separate meetings today with FYROM President and Prime-minister Branco Crvenkovski and Nikola Gruevski respectively. After the meetings, Mr. Nimitz said "we had a serious and substantial discussion on some options for the resolution of the name dispute and both the president and prime-minister presented a common position on the pending issue." "My impression is that both the president and prime-minister share the same position and approach. I have received clear messages of what is feasible and what is infeasible on the part of Skopje and go to Thessaloniki tomorrow to continue talks", stressed the UN envoy. "The Greek side is also willing to resolve the name issue within a specific period. There is no deadline for the resolution of the name issue, but this is a significant period to take opportunity to overcome the obstacle", Nimitz added. Mr. Nimitz did not give a specific answer to the question on whether the title "North Macedonia" in several options is considered. "It is not a secret that we are looking for a title to satisfy both sides. Mass media refers this name, I will neither belie nor confirm it. Several names have been referred in the last years, therefore I will not speak about a specific name". Mr. Nimitz said all efforts center on resolution of name issue which is itself a compound and multifaceted issue. After conclusion of talks with FYROM leadership today, Mr. Nimitz flew to Thessaloniki, where he will meet with Greek ambassador Adamantio Basilaki tomorrow.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Financial Aid to Fire Victims

21 Áõã 2008 18:36:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ 105.8

PASOK party President, George Papandreou visited Artemida settlement in the prefecture of Helia this afternoon. Mr. Papandreou spoke with the residents of the village which suffered extensive damage during last summers wild fires- and was briefed on their situation one year after the fires. PASOK President laid a white rose on the scene where flames killed 12 people last year and visited the house of policeman Hari Harta who had served in Harilaou Trikoupi offices- and whose sister and three children were among the victims who lost their lives in Artemida.

With the phrase, we will turn a new page in Olympia, the fire hit regions in Helia and nationwide, the PASOK President handed a 1.2 million euros check, sum equivalent to 1/3 of the movements election subsidy for scholarships for children of families affected by the wildfires. He also added that he will propose draftbill providing for reconstruction of fire hit regions and supplement of the residents income. He will attend a dinner with PASOK officials in Amaliada this evening.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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