The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Electing Members of New National Council Elections in PASOK

By Athina Saloustrou

The curtain of the 7th PASOK Convention fell tonight with the voting process that ended at 18.00 for the election of a new National Council. With 57.25% of the votes already counted for, Panagiotis Fasoulas has the lead, followed by Nikos Athanasakis. Counting started right after the 60 ballots closed, where 5,380 members of the Party cast their votes today, while the percentage of participation reached 95.5%. In statements from the convention hall, where he was in order to cast his vote, President Giorgos Papandreou described today's process as an "act of rejuvenation and new hope for PASOK." Harshly criticizing the government, mainly over the Economy and on the occasion of one year after ND won the elections, he spoke of a year of unreliability, as "ND make unreliable promises and governs Greece in an unreliable way."

"Unreliable Government"

Answering back, Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos underlined that "hostage employees, low-salaried pensioners, problematic Economy are only some of the achievements of the 20-yearlong PASOK government, where Mr Papandreou participated as a minister. Before criticizing New Democracy, the PASOK leader should first apologize for all these." PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis spoke of known unimportant statements by the government spokesperson and went on to add that "if could just realize it, then he would stop being the spokesperson of this Government."

After describing today's elections as "a very important democratic act, as well as an act of rejuvenation and new hope for PASOK" and invited all to "be ready as of tomorrow for new fights, new battles and new prospect," PASOK President turned his arrows against the Governement, stating: "Tomorrow New Democracy will be celebrating their one year in power, one year described by unreliability that has afflicted the economy, the financial state of Greek families, low pensioners, low revenues and of course the prospect of the country, the status of the country and the economy of the country. These are the major issues that concern the Greek people, which feel the repercussions of this year falling upon them and I believe that very quickly New Democracy will face such problems that the Greek people will reelect PASOK to govern Greece."

Mr Papandreou pledged to continue essential changes in PASOK, stating that the Party will continue its restructuring and rejuvenation and went on to add "We have made some very important decisions with regard to the changes in PASOK, we have new bodies, which we intend to institute on a local and regional level, as well as expertise with the participation of the people, of the citizen, in issues like regional development, economy, agricultural matters, unemployment, expensiveness, financial issues in general, as well as democratic institutions."

He also expressed the belief that PASOK will be able to respond with reliability to all these priorities, which as he said, are close to the needs and demands of the Greek people, underlining that this is the major difference of his party from New Democracy "which makes unreliable promises and governs Greece in an unreliable way."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] He called for a new revolution in keeping the law President Harsh Against the Infamous

By Athina Saloustrou

From Crete, the President of the Hellenic Repubic Kostis Stefanopoulos intervened in the crisis rocking Justice and the Church. Greeting the people of Crete and of Greece with his speech, the highest-ranking political leader called for a new revolution in keeping the law, one that will impose moral sanctions on state and justice workers who are involved in corruption scandals. Mr Stefanopoulos is in Chania, Crete, for the 100th anniversary of the Revolution of Therisos. Surprising everyone in his last speech, Mr Stefanopoulos opposed corruption in the ranks of Justice, demanding that the knife go into the bone, while regarding the Church, he favoured autocatharsis. Regarding cases of corruption in the Justice sector, Mr Stefanopoulos stressed that Greece needs judges and not infamous people.

"Guilty, Unworthy and Infamous"

In his speech before the representative of the government, deputy Minister of Public Order Christos Markogiannakis, and local authorities, among other things, the President of the Hellenic Republic stressed:

"These sanctions, which we need and which should be implemented, need an addition. How things are is not enough for me. Sanctions, which regard freedom and are imposed by the courts. For me it is not enough to have sanctions involving sums of money, which are also part of the penal system. I think that we could have a law establishing another punishment, which could be announced by the courts. The moral punishment, for whoever does such deeds to be declared unworthy and infamous, and for this not to regard only judges, but all civil servants who use their positions to enrich themselves. We are a poor people, we do not reward our employees sufficiently, we do not reward our judges sufficiently, but that is what we can offer them. We cannot offer them any more, and this does not mean that they can search for more through vile, unacceptable methods.

If we do not have these moral sanctions, in the form of social shunning, these rotten members of society are tried, and we condemn them to bearing a degrading title, exaggerated perhaps, but necessary.

I believe that it is necessary for us to react soon, and if I am making this proposal now at the end of my term in office, I am doing so because this end allows me to overstep some bounds, as I will cease to function as the President of the Republic.

I hope and wish for the intervention of the State, which there must be with the Justice crisis, who is always the only judge. By the will of the people, which can be expressed in many ways to confront these incidences that humiliate us all, and make us bitter and disappoint us. And disappointment is the worst thing that can prevail in the soul of a people.

The people needs optimism, needs support, needs hope and some people are coming to knock these things down and make them goods that we dont have now while they should be basic materials.

"I consider the issue of Justice to be extremely important. Justice, as others have said, much greater than I am, is the main fort of the Republic. What can I do with the Republic, when there is no Justice that I can turn to? How will I support, how will I defend my rights? My rights, not only regarding my property, not only my honour, but even my freedom.

Can I possibly consider that Justice does not serve Justice, is it possible for anyone to join its ranks without feeling the compulsion to serve it?"

Referring to the various incidences that came to light regarding high-ranking justices, who, as Mr Stefanopoulos said, "showed that they were not capable, they were unworthy to become judges." The President stressed: "Of course, I realize that one judge cannot always suffer these pressures and serve justice. You could consider it an occupation, as it is. But those who turn to Justice as a profession should conform to the meaning of Justice, the Justice environment and deal out true Justice."

Today, here in Therisos, lets declare a new revolution. The revolution of implementing the laws of the Republic."

100 Years Since Therisos Revolution

With the President of the Hellenic Republic in attendance, celebrations were held today in Therisos, Chania, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Revolution of Therisos. This morning, a religious service was celebrated, followed by a ceremony at the statue to Eleftherios Venizelos.

As Kostis Stefanopoulos arrived, a young Cretan girl, a pupil at Therisos Gymnasium, offered a bouquet to the President and welcomed him, to hear him reply: "My child, you live in a wonderful place."

In his speech, the Prefect of Chania described the President of the Hellenic Republic as "a leader of the values of Greekness," while the President of the Pancretan Union, Kostas Plaitis stated that Kostis Stefanopoulos had set a high standard as president and recited a short Cretan poem (mantinada).

The President of the Republic laid a wreath at the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, and was given a tour of the Muselum of Therisos, where he awarded prizes to 4 primary school pupils for their work on the Revolution.

At the same time, the President of the Republic told the Mayor of Therisos Evangelos Hnaras of the decision by the National Foundation for Studies Eleftherios Venizelos, according to which the Municipality becomes a partner of the foundation.

This was followed by a lunch at a local taverna, where the Prefect of Chania presented Mr Stefanopoulos with a gift of rare coins from the Cretan Civilisation.

The Municipality of Therisos presented the President with a painting, showing the Therisos revolutionaries, and the National Foundation for Studies Eleftherios Venizelos presented an album with photographs of the President on visits to Chania, a book on the policies of Venizelos in independent Crete and a pin with Eleftherios Venizelos.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Just The Two of Them Now

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

One day before Lent, last Sunday of the Carnival, Olympiacos and AEK are called to take off their masks and prove they rightly deserve to be at the top of the rankings. After losing points in Toumba, where they were forced to a painful 1-1 draw by PAOK, Olympiacos will have to show that the time of their unbalanced performances is past history and that they can reclaim the title of Champion. On the other hand, AEK is called to prove that their course in the Championship is not accidental. As for Santos' mask that "we are not after the Championship, we are trying to build a team," it can be no longer worn, as AEK's place in the rankings proves otherwise. As for Panathinaikos, who are sharing the first spot with their eternal rivals, we feel that Iraklis is unlikely to make them start Lent one day earlier

Exciting Battles

After defeating Panionios with 0-1 thanks to top scorer of the Championship Fanis Gekas' goal, Panathinaikos welcomes Iraklis, who are on an upward course after Savvas Kofidis assumed coaching duties.

Iraklis did not have a hard time prevailing over Ionikos and now they are only four points behind PAOK (5th place, 32 points) and the dream of UEFA is still alive.

Aris, however, is in turmoil after been defeated by AEK. They have now dropped to 13th spot alongside Ergotelis and Kalamaria, who claimed a truly important victory against Kerkyra.

Aris, Ergotelis and Kalamaria are called next week to face OFI, PAOK and Panionios respectively in away matches and victory in their cases has become a one-way street.

The match between Kallithea and Ionikos is of great importance for the rankings as well, as they haven't managed to escape from the last spots, with the Nikean team being far worse.

Xanthi proved once more against Egaleo that fourth place is rightfully theirs and considering the development of the Championship, it wouldn't be surprising if they achieved even more than that.

Lastly, after being defeated today on home grounds by Kalamaria, Kerkyra are probably demoted to B Division already

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Moschato Holds the Scepter for the 19th Year Carnival Fun in Attica

By Athina Saloustrou

Many Athenian municipalities danced to the samba rhythm today as part of the carnival festivities. People of all ages really had a great time and once more the Municipality of Moschato was the focus of attention, as it holds the scepter of fun for the 19th year in a row. Seducing Brazilians dancing to the beat of samba, original costumes and impressive chariots were only some of the highlights of the great Carnival parade in Moschato, where for one day the main road was filled with young Dutch ladies, Chinese women, Norwegians, Indians and Venetians. In the great parade of Zografou, a Belgian municipality and a Cypriot one paraded side by side, thus communicating the message of unity and love.

Impressive chariots in the spirit of the latest developments satirized our everyday lives. A total of 2,500 students and members of culture clubs were present in this great feast organized for the 6th year in a row by the Municipality of Zografou.

Of course, a stroll in Zappeio on such a sunny day like today was a must. Masked children had fun with the jugglers, acrobats and other entertainers who were in the park as part of the celebration organised by the Municipality of Athens.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] River Spercheios breaks its banks Snows Melt in Bulgaria

By Anna Kourti

The increase in the water level in the River Ardas is controlled, as the snows have started to melt in Bulgaria. The state mechanism remains on the alert in case of need in the area around the dykes. A meeting was held in Alexandroupoli, attended by the Minister for Rural Development, Evangelos Basiakos and the deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos, on the topic of the dmage caused to cultivated land by flooding. This afternoon, the government delegation visited Lavara. In the meantime, on Saturday night, the River Spercheios broke its banks, and the water swept over the Lamia to Gorgopotamos road, resulting in traffic being halted at that point.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Evros-Ardas Rivers' Level Drops

[06] "The Americans did not want me to return" Revelations from Giuliana Sgrena

By Anna Kourti

In the newspaper Il Manifesto , Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena narrates the "most dramatic day" of her life, after a month of being held hostage in Iraq. Under the title "My truth" she narrates her liberation and the attack by American troops. "We were less than a kilometer away. I remember a storm of fire falling on us. The driver shouted "We are Italians! We are Italians! Nicola Calipari threw himself on top of me to protect me, and the next moment, I felt him breathe his last, as he died in my arms. I immediately thought of my abductors, who had told me to be careful, as the Americans did not want me to return," says Sgrena of the bloody attack by the Americans.

"Giuliana, You are Free!"

"My abductors took me to an area of Baghdad, warning that nobody should see me with them, because; "the Americans will intervene." Afterwards, the abductors abandoned me, blindfolded, saying to me: "Dont worry, theyll come and find you in ten minutes," notes Sgrena in her article.

"Giuliana, I am Nicola, dont worry, you are free," I heard shortly afterwards. It was Nicola Calipari, an Italian secret services agent, who would die from American fire shortly afterwards. I felt relieved, not about what was going on, which I didnt understand, but at Nicolas words," narrates the journalist.

"We got into a car, and I heard the driver telephone twice to the Italian embassy and to Italy, saying that we were on our way to the airport," she concluded.

If Friday was the most dramatic day in her life, the previous month entirely changed her existence, Giuliana Sgrena states.

"On the first few days, I didnt shed a single tear. I was angry, I said to my abductors: "How come you have abducted me, I am against the war!" They answered me: "Weve got you because you talk to people. We would never abduct a journalist who stayed locked up in his hotel. In any case, you might be lying when you say that you are against the war."

It was a month alternating between great hopes and moments of terrible depression," stresses the Italian journalist.

Some days later, the abductors let her watch television. Then she saw her portrait on the front of the Capitol.

"I was terrified when I saw Jihads announcement claiming that they would execute me," she said.

"The Americans Don't Want Negotiations"

"Everyone knows that the Americans do not want to negotiate for the release of hostages, so I dont see why I should rule out that I was the target of their fire. I will not go back to Iraq. There are no conditions for me to work as a reporter," stated Giuliana Sgrena on Italian television network SKY TG 24.

"They were ambushed," claimed the director of the newspaper Il Manifesto, Gabriele Polo, referring to reporter Giuliana Sgrena and her escort. The President of Italy Carlo Ciampi demanded explanations from the American authorities.

"57 million Italians have the right to know the truth," declared the leader of the Italian Opposition and former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi.

The USA announced that they would conduct a "full investigation," but they insist that the car carrying Giuliana Sgrena and her escort was moving at high speed, and that it did not answer to warnings for it to stop.

Italian reporter Giuliana Sgrena stated: "our car was moving at normal speed that could leave no room for misinterpretations. The fire did not come from a check-point, but from a patrol car that shot at us when we were 700 metres away from Baghdad airport.?

The incident was watched on a live television link by the PMs office, members of which were at that moment talking with one of the special agents in the escort of the Italian journalist, notes Sgrenas partner, who was at that time at the presidential office, along with members of the editing team of the newspaper Il Manifesto.

In September 2004, Simona Toretta and Simona Pari, who worked for a charity organisation in Iraq, were released after three weeks being held hostage.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

"Sorry, We Were Mistaken"

[07] Gekas' Mark

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos claimed both a tough and a great victory against Panionios in Nea Smyrni. Although not such a good team today, Panathinaikos managed to win three precious points with Fanis Gekas and are now joining Olympiacos at the top of the rankings. On the other hand, the panthers were wrong by the final score, as they missed out on plenty great opportunities but against invincible Galinovic there is not much one can do. The golden goal for the doublers came in the 27'.

The First Made the Difference

The beginning of the match was painted green, as Panathinaikos successfully occupied the centre. In fact, in the 2', Gekas made a fine attempt but Drobny saved the ball, although having a hard time. From then onwards, Panionios took partial control but both teams were losing good opportunities, which they failed to turn into a goal.

In the 26' Breska lost an amazing scoring chance for the home team, as Galinovic said "no" to his kick from the goal area. And since Panionios didn't make it, it was Gekas' time to act. All alone against three defenders he manoeuvred nicely among them and opened the score by defeating Drobny. That was the fourteenth goal for the Greek striker.

Good Luck, Bad Luck

In the rerun, Panionios got off to a better start, but in the 53' Breska's crashing shot hit on the bar. Both teams had their share of good scoring attempts, but still no team could achieve any goal.

Goundoulakis and Nalitzis, playing for the home team, had two chances of tying the match, but their kicks did not land on the spot they were supposed to, while the same rule applied for greens Konstantinidis in the 67' and Olisadebe in the 90'. The final score was 0-1, which launched Panathinaikos at the top, alongside with Olympiacos.

Referee: Tsacheilidis (Piraeus)

PANIONIOS: Drobny, Vlcek, Messaros (65' Salihi), Goundoulakis, Makos, Tsiolis, Exouzidis (59' Maniatis), Breska, Kaesi (46' Tziolis), Galanopoulos, Nalitzis

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Henriksen, Morris, Vintra, Munch (46' Kotsios), Konstantinou (76' Charalabides), Basinas, Sapanis, Konstantinidis, Wooter, Gekas (85' Olisadebe)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Same Top, New Interest at the Bottom

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The first four places of the Greek Basketball Championship remained unchanged. Panathinaikos prevailed over PAOK and reigns at the top. Maroussi is still in second place after claiming an important victory in Patras against Apollo. Panionios kept driving their fans wild with their appearances this season after defeating Iraklis, while AEK is at the same spot as Panionios as they broke the resistance of spirited Ionikos in Amaliada.

New Facts

Stressful victory of Olympiacos against Olympia along with PAOK's defeat, lead the first in sixth place, while Aris' win against Makedonikos kept in the first six. Makedonikos of Kozani, Iraklis, as well as Apollo Patras remained in same spot, while the bottom of the scoreboard is of particular interest. And this is because the last team of the rankings, Panellinios, defeated MENT and kept their hopes up for remaining in A1, while Olympia Larissa, MENT and Ionikos NF Amaliada will have to battle their way into staying in A1.

Results

Apollo P.-Maroussi 72-83

Aris-Makedonikos 93-80

Panellinios-MENT 79-69

Olympiacos-Olympia L. 91-89

Iraklis-Panionios 75-84

Panathinaikos-PAOK 85-76

Ionikos NF Amaliada-AEK 77-84

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] All Out Derby

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In a stadium filled with 23,000 fans, PAOK and Olympiacos tied in 1-1, after an exciting and open match, full of passion, hard covers, one penalty and many good opportunities. Olympiacos lost two more points one week before the derby versus AEK and are now called three days after the match with Newcastle for the UEFA Cup to go after victory that will give them the lead once again for the Championship. PAOK should be content with the result, as they did not perform that well, while they still have not been defeated with Nikos Karageorgiou as rtheir coach.

Olympiacos Lost Winning Chances

Against a moderate PAOK today, Olympiacos did not have a hard time taking the lead, but still lost many chances in the first 20 minutes.

Despite an excellent personal effort in the 8', Okkas wasn't able to score, while in the 12' Djordjevic received the ball in the area, but his left kick went wide.

Eight minutes later the guests were awarded a penalty kick when Udeze threw Mavrogenidis down. Several PAOK fans questioned the referee's decision, but Djordjevic was successful and opened the score for Olympiacos, which triggered bad reactions for PAOK fans, who entered the pitch.

After a four-minute delay the march restarted with PAOK trying to tie the score but without any result, since Anatolakis spoiled a fine opportunity for the home team, when Egomitis tried to score from the area.

Two minutes after the beginning of the rerun, PAOK finally reached the much wanted draw. Koutsopoulos passed to Salpiggidis, who came face to face with Nikopolidis and managed to defeat him with a right kick. At the 53' he had a chance of doubling his goals, but with a double effort Nikopolidis saved the ball.

In the 61', the referee did not count Okkas' goal, since the Cypriot ace was in an offside position, while in the 77' Bajevic's team lost one more scoring opportunity when Djordjevic's left kick went wide.

Referee: Zografos

Yellow Cards: Maladenis, Karadimos, Schurrer, Maric, Zografakis, Anatolakis, Pantos.

PÁÏÊ: Tochouroglou, Chasiotis, Udeze, Megahead, Maladenis, Karadimos (39' Koutsopoulos), Egomitis, Zografakis, Salpiggidis, Spasic (76' Foucini), Mieciel.

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Schurrer, Mavrogenidis (43' Pantos), Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Stoltidis, Maric (88' Castillo), Djordjevic, Georgatos, Okkas, Giovanni.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Redemption in the 75'

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

It took 75 minutes and several lost chances before AEK could reach the much wanted victory. Then, fifteen minutes before the end AEK opened the score with Lymberopoulos' goal and with a smart play until the end, they managed to win three points against Aris. The Union got what they wanted one week before the great derby with Olympiacos in the Karaiskakis, in what is going to be a match that could very well determine the Champion.

Lymberopoulos the Redeemer

In the first half of the match AEK managed to apply pressure on Aris throughout the pitch, but that was as far as they could go. And not because they weren't given the chance, but because Aris' goalkeeper Pourliotopoulos was having a great day and AEK's strikers kept missing the nets.

Aris went after the goal and in fact performed very well, but AEK's well organized defence did not leave much room for a scoring attempt.

On the contrary, the Union were this close to opening the score in the 26' and the 31', but Katsouranis' and Soares' kicks were nicely saved by Pourliotopoulos.

However, an amazing opportunity was missed in the 40' when Lymberopoulos entered the area from the left and at the right moment passed to Cezar, who delivered a thunder from the penalty area, but the ball passed a few inches above the bar.

The match rolled in the same pace during the first half hour of the rerun. Good defence by Aris, consistent pressure by AEK in an effort to pave the way towards a goal.

Both teams lost one good opportunity each, with Aris first in the 59' when Kouemaha avoided Bourbos in the area, made a great kick by Chiotis blocked the ball and sent it to a corner.

Two minutes later, in the 61', it was time for AEK to come close to scoring, when Malbasa centred but Cezar failed to send the ball into the nets.

And all that until the 74', when redemption came for Santos' team. Cezar was awarded a foul kick, Alves claimed the ball from the right and with a close header in an empty post, Lymberopoulos opened the score and achieved his fifth goal for the season.

In the fifteen minutes that remained, AEK maintained the score in their favour and are now ready to play it all out next Sunday at the Karaiskakis stadium versus Olympiacos.

Referee: Terovitsas

Yellow Cards: Kouemaha, Cezar, Lazanas, Malbasa

ÁÅÊ: Chiotis, Malbasa, Bourbos (+90' Kontis), Alves, Moras, Katsouranis, Assunsao, Ivic (55' Kyriakidis), Cezar (77' Krassas), Soares, Lymberopoulos

ÁRIS: Pourliotopoulos, Papadopoulos, Murawski, Koltsidas, Kallimanis, Passalis, Nebegleras, Naidos, Ekwueme (69' Inogue), Kouemaha, Lazanas.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] European Xanthi

By Vasilis Kalpinos

For Matzourakis' team the UEFA Cup is a solid fact. With their victory against Egaleo today they ensured Europe and kept one more dream alive. That of the Champions League. Brazilian Luciano de Souza was once again the maestro for the home team as he opened the score in the 39' with a foul kick. Garpozis in the 73' achieved the final score of 2-0. As for Egaleo, Europe now seems a far-fetched dream.

They Were Better

Xanthi got off to a good start and made their presence felt in Egaleo's post. Souza had the first say when it came to opening the score and in the 39' Xanthi's top scorer was awarded a foul kick, which helped him send the ball into Sidibe's nets.

One more goal in the rerun was more than enough for Xanthi, as they wanted to seal their prevalence. In other words, in the 73' Luciano's corner kick and Maghradze's header made Egaleo's goalkeeper vulnerable and Garpozis sent the ball right into Sidibe's nets, thus formulating the final score of 2-0.

Yellow Cards: Manousakis, Papadimitriou, Zapropoulos, Christou, Agritis

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Zapropoulos, Papadimitriou, Sikov, Antzas, Luciano, Baykara, Maghradze, Cleber (58' Torosidis), Prittas, Garpozis

EGALEO: Sidibe, Alexopoulos, Psomas, Edusei, Fotakis, Christou, Liapakis (46' Nikolopoulos), Manousakis (63' Chatzis), Tsatsos, Agritis, Makris (46' Simic)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Iraklis Is Back

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A few matches ago, Iraklis were on the verge of dropping to B Division. Now, not only have they escaped the danger, they can also hope for a place in the European organisations. On the other hand, with this defeat Ionikos will have to battle their way into staying in A Division, since they are near the last places. Papazacharias (27') and Fortuzzi (66') scored the goals for the winners.

One And One

From the very beginning, Kofidis' team were better as they got off to a powerful start and a great opportunity in the 14'. Coimbra entered the goal area, kicked the ball, but Ambaris saved it. After the first ten minutes, Iraklis balanced and forced Beqaz into an amazing save in the 16' after Seghiri's header. Finally, the goal for Iraklis came in the 27', when Lagos was awarded a corner kick, sent the ball to Papazacharias, who managed to defeat Ionikos' goalkeeper. The first half ended in 1-0.

In the rerun it was obvious that Iraklis wanted to maintain the score in their favour. Seghiri's crashing shot landed on the right post, but in the 65' he finally achieved his goal, literally speaking. Kapetanos passed to Fortuzi and with a strong kick, he defeated his compatriot Beqaz. Nothing changed from then onwards and Iraklis claimed victory.

Referee: Skoufitsas (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Natsouras, Melabianakis, Tsiblidis, Katsabis

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Papazacharias, Snaucner, Seghiri, Katsabis, Poursanidis, Drougas, Ioannou, Fortuzi, Lagos (86' Diamantidis), Stefanis (66' Keita).

IONIKOS: Beqaz, Ferreira, Tsiblidis, Coimbra, Makor, Vourexakis, Melabianakis, Lettieri (65' Gavrilopoulos), Issa, Kendal, Natsouras (56' Guzman).

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Chalkidona on the Mend

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With two goals, one for each half time, Chalkidona preserved the dream for the UEFA Cup alive defeating the Cretan team. However, Ergotelis have two consecutive defeats and are now in the penultimate place of the rankings. Iliopoulos (20') and Falemi (59'-own goal) scored the goals at the Neapoli stadium.

Better to Begin With

Chalkidona got off to a good start creating opportunities to open the score. Iliopoulos in the 15' and Geladaris in the 19' failed, but one minute later they scored. After Geladaris' corner kick, the Cretan defenders failed to sent the ball away and from an advantageous place Iliopoulos gave the lead to the home team. The score remained as thus until the end of the first half, despite Chalkidona's many opportunities.

The rerun started in the same way for Paraschos' team. After Sotirchos was awarded a corner kick in the 52', Pappas received the ball and sent it to Zacharopoulos with a header but the latter kick went slightly wide. However, what Chalkidona couldnt do, Ergotelis did. Zacharopoulos centred and Falemi, in an effort to sent the ball away, scored a goal against his own team. The final score was formulated to 2-0 for the home team, which celebrated the three points of victory.

Referee: Somarakakis (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Simos, Koutsis

CHALKIDONA: Ebede, Geladaris, Simos, Dimos, Pappas, Katemis, Sotirchos, Korakakis, Koutsis (86' Al Jaher), Zacharopoulos, Iliopoulos (86' Chalaris)

ERGOTELIS: Chaniotakis, Oikonomakis, Filekovic, Spyridakis, Soutzis (84' Parvu), Schlichting, Falemi, Lambrakis (64' Sylla), Voskaridis, Ogunsoto, Ando (84' Mazimbuko)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Three Points of Salvation for Kalamaria

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Apollo Kalamaria now have more chances of remaining in the A Division, after claiming victory against Kerkyra with 0-2. With this victory, Dragan Kokotovic's team reached 19 points, leaving the home team to 15 and the last spot of the rankings. Wella Junior (10') and Pappas (+90') scored the victorious goals for Kalamaria.

Great Surprise

In a match of great importance for the rankings, since Kalamaria and Kerkyra are the teams with the least points, Kalamaria managed to surprise Kerkyra and open the score in the 10'. At that very minute, Nikos Papadopoulos was awarded a foul kick, Kerkyra's defenders failed to claim possession of the ball and Vella Junior sent it straight into Gitkos' nets giving Apollo the lead.

The home team tried to pull themselves together after the shock and in the 21' Fofonka turned, N'Diaye tried to score, but Karatziovalis saved the day.

And as if the fast goal wasn't enough, things got even tougher for Kerkyra in the 35', when Koltzos was sent off with a red card and the home team was left with 10 players.

Performing well in defence and with one player more, Kalamaria maintained their lead and despite Kerkyra's efforts to reach the draw, the guests doubled their goals in the extra time with Pappas' long kick and celebrated a victory which equals to salvation.

Referee: Vasileiou (Thessaly)

Yellow Cards: Panopoulos, Vella Junior, Cleyton, N'Diaye, N.C. Papadopoulos, Haxhi, Petkakis

Red Cards: Koltzos

KERKYRA: Gitkos, Georgiou, Amanatidis, Garozis (66' Baiao), Boughanem, Niniadis, Panopoulos (37' Petras), Koltzos, Braqa, Fofonka, N'Diaye (46' Nyren-Demba).

APOLLO KALAMARIA: Karatziovalis, Fytanidis, Papadopoulos N.C, Papadoulos N.A, Cleyton (73' Iliadis), Parmaxidis, Petkakis, Haxhi, Vella Junior, Pappas, Orfanos (63' Muzawi)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[15] Vindication for Pilatou

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Greek long jump athlete Stella Pilatou was finally awarded second place and the silver medal, after the decision of the European Federation which accepted the Greek appeal against Bianca Kappler. The appeal was submitted because of the mistaken measurement by the judges of the athletes 6.96m jump, which made her rank first. The Federation summoned Kappler to repeat her jump on Sunday and in the case she would still be first, then she could hold on to her medal. However, the German side rejected the request and thus the bronze medal changed hands to land at the 6.64m jump of Greek Pilatou. After this development, the European Federation proceeded to a compromising solution awarding Kappler with one more bronze medal. As a result, the gold medal went to Naide Gomes from Portugal with 6.70m, while the bronze went to Adina Anton with a jump at 6.59m.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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