The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] During the Last Sunday of the Carnival Greece Lived it Up

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Colorful costumes and music flooded every corner of Greece during the last Sunday of this years Carnival. Young and old took to the streets and danced till they dropped to the frenzied beat for the music. Traditionally, Patras held the reins of the Greek Carnival, while the celebrations culminated with the burning of the King of the Carnival. However, a lot of other Greek cities followed suit, hosting their own local Carnivals. The streets were filled with people who dressed up for the occasion, while the excellent weather conditions proved a great ally.

King Without a Crown

Approximately 35,000 people took to the streets of Patras to celebrate with the King of their Carnival, who made his appearance in a bathtub this year, surrounded by garbage and without a crown, as it had been stolen by a frog! You might, however, be wondering why the organizers chose garbage this year. Well, they were trying to promote the alternative solution of recycling and preserving the environment, as opposed to peoples disinterest and pollution. The Patras parade lasted over four hours and finished just after 6pm with the traditional chocolate fight.

The surprise comeback this year was the flower float, which returned to the parade after a 15-year absence and was fervently applauded by the spectators. Another 18 floats, which mocked current affairs, as well as the Treasure Hunt crews followed

The King of the Carnival was set on fire at 9pm in Agios Nikolas, amid spectacular fireworks displays, while at the same time the signal was given for the commencing of preparations for Carnival 2006. It should be noted that next year Patras will be the Culture Capital of Europe.

Athens Joined the Party

Apart from Patras, Athens also hosted some wild parties. In Rendi, over 5,000 people participated in the celebrations, while the dozens of floats, inspired by Greeces contemporary life, were quite spectacular.

In Zappeio, the younger carnival-goers enjoyed an exciting acrobatics show.

Traditional customs also came to life in every corner of Greece, including the "Venetian Wedding" in Zakynthos and the "Lighting of the Fire" in Giannena.

Have a Good Lent!

The celebrations organized for Ash Monday will now take centre stage. These include the popular Alevromoutzouromata (Flour Fights) in Galaxidi, the Bourani (a type of oil-free spinach soup) in Larissa and the Vlachikos Gamos (Traditional Greek Wedding) in Thiva.

It should be reminded that in Athens, some supermarkets, as well as the Varvakeios fish market (which will open at midnight) will remain open until 13:00 on Ash Monday. Furthermore, the fruit and vegetable markets will operate as normal.

In Thessaloniki, food stores, butcher shops and fruit stores will open from 8am to 2pm.

In order to have a safe and problem-free Ash Monday, remember to stay away from power lines when flying kites, and if your kite does get tangled in electricity lines, do not attempt to untangle it.

Moreover, do not forget to follow the advice for a safe Lent, being extremely cautious concerning the purchase and consumption of seafood.

Finally, excursionists should remember that the most important thing is a safe return and the Traffic Police has already implemented emergency measures to secure just that.

So, take care on the roads and have a Good Lent!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Carnival Fever Forever!

Advice for a Safe Lent

[02] Held Meetings with Associates Papoulias to his Duties

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8- ANA

This is the official first for Karolos Papoulias as President of the Republic. A little before Sunday noon he arrived in the Presidential Mansion, where later on his wife, his three daughters and his three grandchildren came to meet him. Yesterday, Mr Papoulias, in Parliament, swore into office and officially received the position of Kostis Stefanopoulos. Today, Mr Papoulias held a first meeting with his associates, new and old, for issues concerning the function of the Presidencys services. Upon his departure from his house in Exarcheia he stated to journalists "life continues: office, home, home, office." The new President of the Republic will receive congratulations from the political world at the end of the week, while his first official visit abroad will be possibly made in May, at Moscow, for the 60 years celebrations since the end of World War II.

In the meantime, former President of the Republic, Kostis Stefanopoulos is in his country retreat in Rio, since yesterday, where he will celebrate with his children and grandchildren the seasons festivities as a common citizen. Accompanied by a member of his security he bicycled, his favorite pastime, for 16 km.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Papandreou in Lebanon

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

President of PASOK, Giorgos Papandreou is on a two-day visit in Lebanon. The visit is performed in the context of an initiative taken by European Socialist leaders, which will hold meeting with the political forces of Lebanon and will discuss the latest developments in the country, after the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Harriri. According to a PASOK announcement, the following leaders are also participating in the visit: President of the European Socialist Party, Paul Rasmussen, former Secretary of the European Socialist Party, FrancoisHollande, former Secretary of the Socialist Party and former Prime Minister of France Pierre Moreau and President of the Socialist Party of Belgium, Elio De Rupo.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] "Everything is Made for Ratings" Attack from the Pulpit

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET

The Archbishop from Agia Marina Church, in Ilioupolis spoke of a deliberate debasement of the Church. The Archbishop attacked the Mass Media and especially television. "Everything is being made for ratings," he stated and called on the followers to stand by the Church. "The counter of economic and national problems," as he said," is only possible by unity." The Archbishop admitted that there are scandals but he placed the blame of them being publicized to propaganda aimed at detaching the people from the Church. He stated "the Church prays for all, even those who defame it," adding "the Church has love for all and mainly for those who admit their sins."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Eight People Dead, Including Culprit Massacre in the U.S.

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: CNN- ANA

A man, who opened fire at followers gathered in a religious service at a hotel reception hall in Brookfield, Wisconsin, killed seven people and left four seriously injured. After the act, the culprit, whose identification has not been yet known, committed suicide. According to the local newspaper Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, six of the dead are male, aged 15, 17, 44, 50, 58 and 72, while the seventh victim was a woman, aged 55. The four of the victims died instantly while the other three during their transport to the hospital. According to the Police, the culprits motives remain unknown while it does not know if the man was shooting blindly or had targeted specific people in the service.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] No Damage or Victims Reported Earthquake Shakes Iran Again

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: REUTERS

A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale occurred in southeastern Iran, on Saturday. According to the national news agency IRNA, the area that was stricken was the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders with Pakistan. Up to this moment there has been no information of victims or damage. As the governor of the town of Saravan, Mohammad Mohebati stated the area is sparsely populated thus information of victims has not been made known. A few weeks earlier on February 22, another quake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale shook Iran causing the death of 30 people and the injuring of 500.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Luck by its Side

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Olympiacos absolute dominance in the crucial match against AEK did not bring the desired result for the Piraeus team. Despite having complete control of the game, as well as plenty of opportunities, Dusan Bajevics team did not manage to win the three points of victory against a slow and spiritless AEK. And so it left the match in the empty Karaiskakis Stadium with the one point for the tie. Following this result, Olympiacos is once again tied with Panathinaikos at the top of the rankings, while AEK is just one point behind. It all basically points to the fact that this years championship will be decided in Panathinaikos home ground, as both Olympiacos and AEK have to pass by Leoforos stadium prior to the end of the season. However, things can go either way.

Paying for their Errors

The first half was mainly marked by the amazing ability of Pedrag Djordjevic, Olympiacos captain, to set up goals for his teammates, as well as his skill to hold and organize the game.

Anyhow, he was the instigator behind the goal by Okkas in the 19, which gave Olympiacos the lead.

Despite AEKs powerful midfielder duo (Moras Alves), Djordjevic set up the ball beautifully for Okkas, who cashed in on his speed, caught the ball and clipped it towards the nets, making the score 1-0.

However, from the onset it seemed that neither team would have been able to score in the first half.

With a distinct defensive lineup and many personal charges, the ball hardly ever reached both teams strikers, who seemed all alone out there.

With many midfielders in its lineup and a 3-5-2 system, Olympiacos kept winning the battles in the centre and controlling the game.

However, only two opportunities for goal presented themselves. Apart from the actual goal, the other came when Georgatos lost his marker and sent the ball towards Chiotis nets; however, AEKs goalkeeper was quick to save the ball.

On the other hand, AEK was well blocked and although it tried to cash in on Soares and Cesars speed, it could not follow through.

The only memorable moment for AEK came in the 34, when Soares charged forward, but his kick was too fast for Cesar.

Trailing in the score, Santos substituted Krassas and Cesar for Bourbos and Ivic in the beginning of the second half. However, it was Olympiacos that missed yet another opportunity in the 50, when Djordjevic passed to Giovanni, but Chiotis caught the Brazilians kick and saved his team once again.

Olympiacos seemed determined to clear the game from early on, but the players looked tired, especially due to their heavy schedule and the match against Newcastle last Thursday.

However, the team from Piraeus kept chasing a goal, against a team that seemed unable to react despite the substitutions, but luck was not by its side.

Kostoulas (53), Giovanni (64) and Okkas (66) all missed some great opportunities to score.

And although it looked like a 2-0 score was not far off, the tie came out of nowhere.

In the 70 Nikopolidis dropped the ball, following an attack by Ivic, and jostled the latter, prompting the referee to award AEK a penalty. Katsouranis, who took the kick, sent the ball to the nets, firing the game up.

The tie did not turn things around, however. And although everyone was expecting AEK to up its performance following the draw, Olympiacos was the one that tried harder.

It blocked AEK in the defence and sweated it out for the three points of the victory.

But to no avail, since AEK had luck by its side, and although Olympiacos could have scored in a couple of occasions, a second goal never came.

In the 84, Chiotis instinctively cleared a header by Okkas and in the 88, Moras saved a kick by Castillo literally on the line.

All of which basically proves that missed opportunities can prove disastrous.

Referee: Kasnaferis

Yellow Cards: Schurrer, Maric, Malbasa, Stoltidis, Assunsao, Mavrogenidis, Anatolakis, Lymberopoulos, Alves

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Schurrer (72 Kafes), Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Georgatos, Mavrogenidis, Stoltidis, Djordjevic, Maric (78 Castillo), Okkas, Giovanni

AEK: Chiotis, Moras, Kontis, Malbasa, Alves, Katsouranis, Assunsao, Krassas (46 Bourbos), Lymberopoulos, Cesar (46 Ivic/74 Kyriakidis), Soares

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] A Really Bad 0-0 Draw

Sources: ANA

Home team Kallithea and guest Ionikos achieved a 0-0 draw during a game that will easily be forgotten, mainly due to dismal performances by the teams. They both played really bad football in the first half, while they had very few opportunities to score. Ionikos threatened twice with Makor (14 and 38), but he missed both times, as the ball went wide. Kallithea only had an opportunity to score in the 41, but Kyriakos failed to pass to Alexandris.

Bad Second Half

The second half was along the same lines. In the 67, Kallithea managed to open an avenue towards the nets with Kyriakos, but the goal did not count, since Alexandris, who had tried to kick a previous goal, was offside. This was probably the only exciting moment of the whole match. Kallithea kept trying to apply pressure on its opponent, in an effort to win, but was unable to even come close to scoring and so the game ended in a nil all draw.

Referee: Kakos

Yellow Cards: Karatzas, Dragicevc, Telkinski, Coimbra

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Aggelopoulos, Koulakiotis, Telkinski, Dabrowski (79 Koutsospyros), Kyriakos, Dragicevic, Petkovic (61 Savvidis), Karatzas, Tsigas, Alexandris

IONIKOS: Beqaj, Ofridopoulos, Issa, Natsouras (81 Da Costa), King, Makor (76 Gutman), Lettieri, Tsimblidis, Coimbra, Gavrilopoulos, Ucar

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Good Show and Victory for PAOK

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

One things for sure. If Ergotelis drops to Division 2, it would be a great injustice. The team from Crete has achieved some great performances this year, for a new team. Good techniques, great offence and quick players; all in all a wholesome team. It is ironic, though, that it has lost many points with this spectacular game play and is now in danger of being relegated. Today, it lost yet another three valuable points in Pankritio Stadium to PAOK. And it is not that the visitors did not deserve to win, but the 0-1 score does not in any way do the Cretans justice, since the team could have easily tied the score, or even score a victory. Unfortunately, it did not do either and is now left with the bitter taste of loss.

Many Opportunities, One Goal

The game was quite exciting, as it was fast-paced and filled with opportunities. Ergotelis came very close to scoring with Sylla (2) and Ogunsoto (6, 13), while PAOK, which upped its performance after that, answered back with missed opportunities by Salpiggidis (8, 15), Mieciel (21) and Zografakis (40).

However, PAOK eventually managed to score a few minutes after the beginning of the second half. In the 52, Salipiggidis header went straight to the nets, making the score 0-1. Ergotelis tried to react, but Tochouroglou kept saving the day (54, 71 and 87) and keeping his nets goalless.

At the same time, PAOK could have doubled its goals, but Salpiggidis (69), Fuccini (76) and Mieciel (80) all failed to score.

Ergotelis pressured for a tie in the dying minutes of the match and blocked PAOK in the defence, but its players kept missing opportunities and so the visitors left with a valuable victory.

Referee: Tapatzas (Thrace)

Yellow Cards: Falemi, Sylla, Chasiotis

ERGOTELIS: Chaniotakis, Argyrakis, Economakis, Filekovic, Falemi (58 Masibucco), Soutzis, Schliechting, Sylla (85 Parvu), Voskaridis, Ogunsoto, Ando

PAOK: Tochouroglou, Chasiotis, Udeze, Egomitis, Koutsopoulos, Spasic (55 Fuccini), Zografakis, Maladenis (75 Andralas), Megahead (81 Karypidis), Salpiggidis, Mieciel

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] A Little Bit of Pain for A Good Cause The Delicate Balance of A Prince!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

The picture of Prince William taking an impressive fall during a charity polo match has been broadcast allover the world. In the game, Prince Charles two sons were in opposing teams and managed to collect more than 57,000 euros for the people of Southeast Asia but the Princes fall was at the spotlight. Neither Harry nor William were daunted by the incident, which they seemed to enjoy, since the young prince did not get hurt. Charles sons played a good game, while the fall of the eldest son was due to an overzealous performance! It is noted that Harrys team won by 12-7.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Egaleo Crushes Kerkyra's Dreams

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Egaleo literally nailed Kerkyras coffin and crushed its dreams of staying in Division one, thanks to the home teams permanent scorer, Giorgos Barkoglou. So now, Giorgos Firis team is deep in despair, as it looks like the island team will not avoid relegation. On the other hand, Egaleo can start dreaming of a place in UEFA Cup with this victory.

One Goal Up One Division Down

The first half finished without any clear opportunities and with the home team having complete control of the game, despite the fact that they had difficulty in penetrating Kerkyras defence and creating any opportunities. Kerkyra, on the other hand, decided to pull back and it did not once threaten Egaleo.

However, Egaleo managed to score very early in the second half. In the 50, Christou kicked the ball from the right and Barkoglou sent it to the nets, making the score 1-0. Unfortunately, the scorer was injured during this effort and had to be substituted three minutes later.

Kerkyra fired up after the 70-minute mark, and especially after Ioannou entered the pitch. Egaleo pulled back and tried to counterattack, while the visitors had an opportunity to tie the score in the 83, when Sidibe saved a header by Ioannou. From that point onwards, though, Egaleos defenders managed to keep Kerkyras strikers away from the nets and the score remained at 1-0 right to the end.

Referee: Styliaras

Yellow Cards: Christou, Demba, Garozis

EGALEO: Sidibe, Amposah, Alexopoulos, Christou, Edusei, Fotakis, Tsatsos, Barkoglou (53 Manousakis), Chloros, Simic (46 Nikolopoulos), Agritis (80 Aggos)

KERKYRA: Gitkos, Petras, Georgiou, Syros, Sfakianakis, Ribeiro (70 Ioannou), Boughanem, Panopoulos (57 Niniadis/64 Garozis), Gitas, Fofonka, Demba

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Eventful Victory for Chalkidona

By Stathis Petropoulos

An extremely interesting second half, and a gripping, though eventful, finale followed a very bad first half in the match between Chalkidona and Xanthi. The home team eventually managed to win with a score of 2-1, amid protests by the visitors. The reason for this was referee Michalis Germanakos admittedly strange decision to have Xanthi execute the penalty it was awarded in the 88, after Pappas jostled Dimitriadis, a whopping three times! Lambriakos was successful during his first attempt, but Germanakos ordered him to repeat it. Lambriakos was again successful the second time, but the referee decided it did not count and had him kick it again, at which time Ebede managed to save the ball. After that, the people of Xanthi were furious with the referee and the final whistle blow was followed by intense protests and wrangling between the players of the two teams.

Second-Half Game

Both teams were quite reserved in the beginning, given that they are looking for places in the UEFA Cup next year and did not want to miss any opportunities by making errors. As a result, the first half was somewhat lukewarm, with the only exception in the 44, when Iliopoulos missed a header in front of unguarded nets. The scene, though, took a turn from the onset of the second half. The visitors suddenly realized their role and decided to start playing and chase a goal. In the 50, Geladaris centered the ball following a corner kick, Iliopoulos caught the header and this time he was successful. The cheers though were short-lived, as in the 51 Prittas passed to Garpozis, who beat Ebede at the nets and tied the score.

Fiery Finale

The game became fast-paced and Chalkidona managed to score again in the 69. Xanthis defenders were able to clear the ball in the beginning, but a long kick by Dimos gave his team the lead yet again (2-1). The same thing nearly happened in the very next minute, when Luciano kicked the ball from far away, but this time Ebede was prepared. Luciano, however, did not prove to be a key player today, since he took a free kick in the 71, without having been awarded one by the referee, and as a result he was sent off the pitch with a yellow-red card. Just before the end, in the 84, Germanakos awarded Chalkidona a penalty, after Iliopoulos was jostled, but Zacharopoulos kick was dismal and Pizanovksi managed to block it quite easily. And this brought the match to the 88 and Xanthis eventful penalty.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens)

Red Cards: 71 Luciano (Yellow-Red), 88 Pappas (Yellow-Red)

Yellow Cards: Dimos, Luciano, Pappas

CHALKIDONA: Ebede, Geladaris, Katemis (37 Korakakis), Simos (42 Dagas), Pappas, Sotirchos, Koutsis, Dimos, Chalaris, Zacharopoulos (90 Moyo), Iliopoulos

XANTHI: Pizanovski, Sikov, Torosidis, Maghradze, Prittas, Kontodimos (56 Dimitriadis), Cleber (77 Vozabal), Melissas, Luciano, Lambriakos, Garpozis

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Victory at Last!

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

After two consecutive losses, Aris eventually managed to score a win and can now breath somewhat easier. In Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, the team from Thessaloniki defeated OFI by 3-2 (2 A. Papadopoulos, 25 penalty Lazanas, 35 Murawski, - 32 OG Gogolos, 77 penalty Dejanov), received three valuable points and can keep its hopes up for staying in Division 1. On the other hand, the team from Crete is in a somewhat tough spot, as it stayed at 24 points and now has to go for the win against Olympiacos next week.

Aris Took Them by Surprise

The team from Thessaloniki needed the three points more than anything and this was evident right from the start. Aris managed to score three goals in the first 35 minutes, taking OFI by surprise. It should be noted, though, that OFI was playing without two of its key strikers, as both Machlas and Triantafyllou stayed in Crete due to injuries.

Giorgos Chatzaras team had an ideal start, since it scored its first goal just in the 2. Avraam Papadopoulos header off Ekwuemes free kick ended up in the nets, making the score 1-0.

The quick goal set the players literally on fire, and in the 25 they were awarded a penalty, after Arvanitis jostled Lazanas. The latter took the kick and scored yet another goal.

The Cretans were able to close the gap seven minutes later, even if it was due to an own goal. Gogolos, in an effort to clear the ball following Koutroures kick, nailed it right in Pourliotopoulos nets (2-1).

Aris players were not fazed, though, and in the 35, following an excellent long kick by Murawski, they scored a third goal, making the score 3-1.

In the second half, OFI tried to counterattack and in the 52 Dejanovs free kick was successfully cleared by Pourliotopoulos, while a few minutes later, Hadjiadrians kick hit the crossbar.

The visitors pressure finally bore fruit in the 77, when Gogolos jostled Belevonis inside the penalty area and Dejanovs kick from the 11-metre mark was spot on, reducing the difference to 3-2.

The rest of the game did not provide any added excitement, since Aris players were guarding their defence and the valuable score.

Referee: A. Kouklakis

Yellow Cards: Gogolos - Arvanitis

ARIS (Giorgos Chatzaras): Pourlotiopoulos, Gogolos, A Papadopoulos, Koltsidas, Kallimanis (73 Markomichalis), Murawski, Naidos, Ekwueme (80 Inogue), Passalis, Lazanas, Nebegleras

OFI (Giannis Chatzinikolaou): Sifakis, Tomach, Belevonis, Pitsos, Anastasiadis, Koutsoures (45 Davidson), Dentsas, Dejanov, Arvanitis (34 Nwafor), Kazantzis, Hadjiadrian

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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