The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rogge Declares Games Are Over

24 Αυγ 2008 17:07:00

By Ampelakis Spyros

"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad," said IOC President Jacques Rogge officially declaring that the Games are over.

Jacques Rogge hailed the 29th Olympic Games as "truly exceptional," and the venues "amazing." As tradition has, it is the IOC heads closing speech, the extinguishing of the Olympic cauldron and the handover of the Olympic flag that stand out in closing ceremonies.

Beijings dramatic farewell to the 29th Games of the modern Olympiad got under way with a magnificent firework display, which quickly segued into an amazing display of dancing and drumming.

Later on the handover of the Olympic flag wowed the spectators. Led Zeppelin may have been heavily censored in China, but times have changed. Former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page sent the crowds cheering while accompanying singer Leona Lewis who sang "Whole Lotta Love." But it was David Beckmans appearance that drove the Chinese wild. The worlds most famous footballer was part of the British delegation and wowed the crowds kicking a football into the crowd of athletes. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saw London mayor Boris Johnson taking the Olympic flag by Jacques Rogge.

Legendary Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Chinese soprano Song Zuying joined forces to sing, while Hollywood actor Jackie Chan later joined a throng of dancers and singers for a closing number.

The 29th Olympic Games went down to history, without leaving bad memories. In fact, they were marked by the amazing records achieved by Michael Phelps and Bolt, while the organizers proved they are as capable as the Westerners. It is true they did their best to live up to the expectations raised after the Sydney and Athens Olympics. Perhaps, this is why they did not present something new, apart from their dominance in the medal table.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Bakoyannis' Stern Response

24 Αυγ 2008 16:11:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

"Greeces Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis dismissed Gruevskis provocative statements as being "out of line," noting that intransigence and provocative attitude confirmed the tight corner he has chosen to be in. She also stressed, "Moves and statements aiming at undermining the negotiations even prior to his recent meeting with Nimetz had preceded." "Mr Gruevski is making a huge mistake," underlined Bakoyannis, further adding, "He would be held accountable for any obstacles in the negotiations and in his countrys EU and NATO bid."

Bakoyannis stern intervention resulted from Gruevskis intransigence, as he not only turned down Matthew Nimetzs latest proposals and brought up again the position on a double name, but he also claimed that the Greek side is using the pending name row to cover up "domestic scandals."

Provocative Stance

"Greece has deep-rooted and serious problems. You are all aware that a major scandal breaks out almost every two weeks. Therefore, they are forced to shift attention to the name issue, because scandals may result in snap elections. They construct their policy in such a way that helps them avoid finding a solution to the name problem, because they believe, according to our analyses and information, that any solution to the name dispute, unless it is a solution that fully serves their interests, something they already know is impossible to happen, will harm them in the next elections," said Gruevski. They are shaping their moves based upon this policy. Just have a look at the latest statement following their Prime Ministers meeting with the Foreign Minister. They insist on their claim for a name, the constitutional name Republic of Macedonia for domestic use, and another, which they will dictate, for international use." "One of the ideas Nimetz put on the table was the use of one name. This is not acceptable for us and we stopped there. A part of his ideas was interesting. We examined and analyzed his ideas, but we cannot agree with what Ive just said. So we agreed there is no reason to move on," added Gruevski.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Gruevski's Delirium

[03] Devastating Wildfires

24 Αυγ 2008 11:53:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Today a memorial is held in Helia to mark the first black anniversary since devastating wildfires broke out in the Helia prefecture claiming high toll in human lives. The wildfires spread to bordering Arkadia and Messinia prefectures burning down tens of thousands of hectares of forest and agricultural land but the worst of all was the tens of people killed in the fires. On the occasion of the sad anniversary, NET will broadcast a special report on Zaharo and Artemida and a review on the reconstruction work in the area during the evening news bulletin. Fires that broke out in Kardamila, in Hios, Amfilohia and Hrisa, in Xanthi have been brought under partial control.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Draft-bill to Combat Doping

Sources: ΝΕΤ,"Bima tis Kyriakis", "Eleftheros Typos tis Kyriakis"

The Culture Ministry has drawn draft-bill on doping combat according to an extensive article in the newspaper "To Bima tis Kyriakis". The draft-bill comes after reactions to statement said to be made by the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge that Greece won the gold medal in doping.

Draft-bill to Be Tabled Soon

According to newspaper "To Bima", new sports draft-bill, to be tabled to the Parliament soon, provides for new regulations on champions privileges, such as only Olympic Games medal winners will have the right to be hired in state jobs after withdrawal from active sports carrier and on condition they had not tested positive on enforcement performance drugs. The draft-bill also abolishes direct admission to tertiary education, without exams. Finally, sanctions will be imposed to sport clubs and administrations in the event of "group doping".

Investigation on Halkia tablets'

In the meantime, WADA, the International Olympic Committee and Prosecutor are carrying out in depth investigation on the "mystery tablets", Fani Halkia and possibly other athletes had been taking. According to the newspaper article, WADA has recorded the tablets as energy modulators. Judicial authorities with the contribution of experts will try to find what this substance is, who produces it and who prescribes it.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] India Battered by Monsoons

This years monsoon season has been really devastating for India. Death toll has reached 800, while as many as two million people have been left homeless. In the densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, 26 people were killed over the weekend, while the flood-stricken in Bihar amounted to 750 thousands. A total of three thousands villages throughout India have been battered by the heavy flooding. As per the authorities, it had been raining for 45 days in the row in some regions. Last year, about 2,200 people perished in monsoons.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] 10 Climbers Missing in the Alps

Sources: REUTERS

An avalanche hit climbers on Mont Blanc on Sunday, injuring eight and leaving 10 others missing, French police said. The injured included five French and three Italians. Five Austrians and three Swiss were among the 10 missing.

"The avalanche occurred at dawn on the French side, hitting a group of climbers who were roped together," an Italian police official said earlier on Sunday.

The French police and the Italian Civil Protection are at the scene and the injured are being treated at a hospital in the French town of Chamonix.

Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, spanning the border between Italy and France.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC- Climbers struck by Alps avalanche

[07] Mobile Throwing World Championships

A man and a woman from Estonia, a minor from Finland and a dog are the proud winners of the 9th Mobile Throwing World Championships that was held in the Estonian city of Narva.

More than 50 contestants from the USA, South Korea, Japan, Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Russia took part in this rather unusual event, while the Olympics were winding up on the other side of the world.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] On Monday

24 Αυγ 2008 15:06:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: NET -NET 105.8

Basilis Paleokostas, notorious suspect in kidnapping case of industrialist, George Mylonas, will face Thessaloniki interrogator on Monday. The other seven suspects will be interrogated on Tuesday. State prosecutor filed 3 criminal and 6 misdemeanor charges against them on Friday. Basilis is the youngest of two brothers, who apart from blood ties, had a common course in illegality and helped each other in difficult times. Paleokostas brothers have been charged with robberies, kidnappings and escapes from prisons. Police circles believe that Basilis Palaiokostas was planning the escape from of his brother Nikos, mastermind of the familys long criminal activity. Nikos Paleokostas is serving his sentence at Agios Stefanos prison, in Patra.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] On Bomb Attacks

24 Αυγ 2008 13:37:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-REUTERS

Η τουρκική αστυνομία συνέλαβε δύο νέους υπόπτους για την ανατίναξη παγιδευμένου αυτοκινήτου την περασμένη Πέμπτη στη Σμύρνη. Την ευθύνη για την επίθεση αυτή, όπως και για μια άλλη επίθεση στη Μερσίνη, ανέλαβε η οργάνωση Γεράκια για την Ελευθερία του Κουρδιστάν (ΤΑΚ), που πιστεύεται ότι έχει στενές σχέσεις με το ΡΚΚ. Όπως αναφέρει το πρακτορείο Ανατόλια, από χθες Σάββατο έχουν συλληφθεί συνολικά οκτώ άνθρωποι ως ύποπτοι για τις επιθέσεις αυτές. Στην επίθεση της Σμύρνης τραυματίστηκαν 7 αστυνομικοί, 3 στρατιώτες και 6 άμαχοι, ενώ σεκείνη της Μερσίνης τραυματίστηκαν 12 αστυνομικοί. Τον περασμένο Φεβρουάριο, η ίδια οργάνωση είχε απειλήσει ότι θα επιτεθεί εναντίον των τουρκικών δυνάμεων ασφαλείας, καθώς και τουριστικών και οικονομικών κέντρων, ως αντίποινα για τον βομβαρδισμό βάσεων του ΡΚΚ στο βόρειο Ιράκ.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] With Trade Unions' Representatives

24 Αυγ 2008 13:24:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ

Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis begins a circle of contacts with social partners at the Maximos Mansion on Monday in view of the International Thessaloniki Fair. Specifically, Mr. Karamanlis will meet with the boards of GSEE- General Confederation of Hellenic Labor- (also to be attended by Finance, Development and Employment Ministers, G. Alogoskoufis, H. Folias and F. Petralia respectively), SEB-Industrialists Union , ESEE- National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce and GSEBEE- General Confederation of SME Sized Businesses, Craftsmen -Traders of Greece in the presence of Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis and Development Minister, Hristos Folias. The Prime-minister will receive presidium of ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions). The social partners are expected to submit requests regarding economic policy as well as supplementary aid to low income social groups. Mr. Karamanlis will continue meetings with heavyweight Ministers while final approval for framework of his speech at ITF will be endorsed by the Inner Cabinets meeting on the economy to be held in the next days.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] La Paz, Bolivia

24 Αυγ 2008 12:39:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-French

Bolivias President, Evo Morales said yesterday the army was ordered to seize control of gas and oil fields as the opposition is preparing new circle of mobilizations against socialist reforms he is promoting. "I spoke with chief of Armed Forces General Staff, general Luis Trigo, who has clear instructions to defend oil and gas fields in favour of Bolivian people" leftist Bolivian President told unionists in Kotsabama yesterday. The announcement was made amid the opposition plans to block road network to the oil fields in the east provinces as of Monday.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[12] Measures to Facilitate Holiday-makers Return

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Police are out in force to facilitate return of the large wave of holiday-makers. Special measures are in effect at ports across the country. High temperatures forecast for today and in some parts of the country will reach 39C. There will be strict patrolling according to the particularities in each region- on the national road network while fire prevention measures will be taken into consideration as we are in the mid of high fire risk season. Patrolling is also enforced on the sites of highways where frequent road accidents have been recorded.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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