The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Ahead in Score in Half Time Closer to the Dream

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

With a lot of soul, passion and controlled play, the Greek Basketball Team are in the lead in the first half of the 2005 Eurobasket final, prevailing over Germany 39-32. Having deactivated German superstar Nowitzki, Greece have managed to impose their own pace and seem to be able to win this tough game and be crowned European Champions for the second time since 1987. If Panagiotis Yannakis team continue their fine performance, then Greeks will be celebrating a European title for a second time in a year. Ten-minute periods: 19-12, 39-32.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Memories of Portugal

Greece Is in the Final

[02] Awakened in the Heart of the Balkans Memories of Portugal

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ANA - NET - NET 105.8

Panagiotis Giannakis and his squad awakened memories of Portugal in the heart of the Balkans. Just after the end of the Eurobasket semi-final between Greece and France last night in Belgrade, thousands of Athenians met at the centre of Athens, in Omonoia Square, to celebrate the teams advancement to the final, chanting mottos similar to the ones heard last year, when the Greek Football team was playing for the European Cup. Other Greek cities celebrated along. In Thessaloniki, the crowds met at the White Tower and kicked their heels for the success. Greece is proudly returning to the medals after 16 long years, when they won the silver against host Yugoslavia, playing in Belgrade. This is a great team and tonight it will win a medal, a silver in the worst case, at the Eurobasket final in Belgrade. Panagiotis Giannakis boys are a tightly knit group. This is no time for analysing techniques, systems and statistics to pinpoint what sent the team to the final. Let us just say that a three-pointer by Dimitris Diamantidis just three seconds before the end was what gave the team the victory against France with 67-66 and subsequently the ticket to the big final. The Greeks will now play against Germany tonight at 22:00. The Greek PM, the Speaker of the Parliament, the President of SYN and the Deputy Minister of Sports sent telegrams to the team, congratulating them for their success. Finally, France and Spain will fight it out for the bronze tonight at 19:00, while Lithuania and Slovenia will play for the 4th place, and Russia and Croatia for the 7th.

Contradiction of Feelings

"These twelve boys are Greek, and as Greeks they have heart and spirit," declared Panagiotis Giannakis, who was dancing and smiling after Diamantidis three-pointer. Maybe because the victory brought back memories of 14 June 1987 in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, when he was among the players who were crowned European Champions.

The players did not stop singing and chanting all the way to the hotel, where the team is staying; the same mottos every Greek was chanting last year, when the Football team won the European Championship in Portugal.

When Dimitris Diamantidis got on the bus, all hell broke loose. The other 11 players got up and started hugging him, kissing him and pulling him. The Greek players have faith and will enter the stadium tonight determined to win the gold. Nothing seems impossible for them now.

Dikoudis was the first player to come out of the change rooms last night, a few minutes after the end of the game, and approach the Greek fans. "We will win tomorrow," he shouted and returned to his teammates. As a thank you, the fans kept shouting his name for a long time. After the showers, Papaloukas spoke to seven TV stations, while Giannakis spoke to four TV stations and all the Greek radio stations.

On the other hand, the feelings of the French were in complete contrast to the Greeks. They were crying on the way to the change rooms, while Claude Bergeaud, the French coach, urged his players to keep their heads high and look the people in the eye, because they played like champions. And that is what they did; they kept their heads high.

So, what should the Greeks be looking at? The sky, as team captain Michalis Kakiouzis said after the quarterfinal.

Giannakis, Chatzivrettas, Bergeaud, Diaw, Bauermann

After the end of the game against France and Greeces advancement to the finals, two of Greeces stars made statements to the Press.

Panagiotis Giannakis: "I wish that both opponents could have won today. We knew we were playing against an amazing team, since they had changed their attitude in relation to our first game during the preliminaries. The French would have shown faith in their game. We knew that and we were expecting it. Most of the time, France raced well. However, we controlled the defensive rebounds like no other team. The stats reveal nothing. As far as I am concerned, the faith and spirit of this team was what contributed to the victory. I hope we will have the chance to play against France in another event, not in a semi-final, but in a final. In Greece, the stadiums were full ten years ago. The last few years they have been empty. I am very happy today, because my boys gave the children the chance to learn about basketball once again. Last year, we won the European Championship in football. All the kids then started getting interested in it. We want more younger people to start learning about basketball, because the game played tonight was unbelievable."

Nikos Chatzivrettas: "We won a game that many would have considered was lost. We believed in it until the last second. We won thanks to our faith, determination and Dimitris Diamantidis calmness. We fought for 40 minutes. This is a great victory. What else can I say? Especially for myself, since I missed many shots. I felt awful when I sat on the bench. My teammates, though, pulled through in the end."

On the other hand, the French statements were on a different wavelength.

Claude Bergeaud: "Congratulations to Greece. We had control of the game for 39 minutes. My players fought against Greece, but were left disappointed in the end, but this is good for basketball. Unfortunately, luck was not by Frances side. I am not looking at the individual statistics, but the whole picture. After this stressful game, I will not be blaming Tony Parker for being unable to stop Dimitris Diamantidis three-pointer."

Boris Diaw: "We did what we could for 39 minutes. This is basketball. You do not know what will happen in just one minute."

Germanys coach also made statements about tonights final.

Dirk Bauermann: "No one would have bet on Germany in the beginning of Eurobasket. What my players achieved is unbelievable. At the Acropolis Tournament in Athens we lost all three games. Femerling was not with us back then. I have always had faith in my players and I told them that I wanted to see then in the Eurobasket final. We have one superstar, Dirk Nowitzki, tight defence and team spirit. This is the key. After the victory over Russia, our mentality changed. I have worked as a coach in Greece and the feelings in the final will be mixed. I know Giannakis from when he played with Aris and I was coaching Leverkusen. We have played against each other before."

Sports Press

Greeces great victory over France and the place in the final, where it will play against Germany tonight, are dominating the front pages of todays sports newspapers.

"Heroes," was the title of the newspaper Protathlitis, while in the article it wrote, "The Greek team is in the Eurobasket final. It is writing history once again."

"The Hand of God," was the main title in newspaper Sportime, which also wrote, "Epic turnaround with a divine three-pointer by Dimitris Diamantidis. It smells like gold throughout Greece."

"I Cant Wait," read the title in newspaper Sportday, while the article predicted, "At midnight, Greece will be crowned European Champion."

"Even God Wants Us to Win Gold," was the title of newspaper Filathlos. "Unbelievable turnaround and final against Germany, following Diamantidis three-pointer at the end," continued the article.

"Eurobasket: This Cup is Ours," was mentioned in newspaper Athlitiki Echo.

"Eurobasket: The Gold Is in Their Hands," predicted newspaper Fos ton Sport.

Congratulations from the Political Leadership

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis stated, "Todays great victory and the overwhelming effort by our players have made all Greeks proud. We wish them all the best in tomorrows final and may they conquer the European top."

In her telegram, the Speaker of Greek Parliament, Anna Benaki-Psarouda, mentioned, "Congratulations on your great success and mainly on your amazing effort. You have made us all proud. I hope you repeat your success tomorrow and climb on the European Champions podium."

The president of SYN, Alekos Alavanos, and Archbishop Christodoulos also congratulated the Greek team for their great victory.

"Your Greek spirit and talent stunned the French team once again. You have already won the respect and admiration of not just the Greeks, but also the European basketball world. I am sure that in the big final tomorrow, you will do whatever you have to do to climb on the highest step of the podium at the 2005 European Championship. I, along with all the Greek fans, wish you just that," declared Deputy Minister of Sports Giorgos Orfanos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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Giannakis: "It Is Only the Beginning"

Greece Is in the Final

[03] Preliminary Hearing Ended Investigating the Causes

By Vagelis Theodorou

According to the initial findings, the bioclimatic roof at the Akrotiri archaeological site on Santorini collapsed due to either improper materials used or some error in the struts, which gave way because of the weight, killing one British tourist and injuring another six people. The Santorini police station completed the preliminary hearing on Sunday afternoon and the three supervising engineers appeared before the Naxos Public Prosecutor, while five more people are wanted in Athens, including the contractor. The police took the statements of 50 people, including the testimonies of the three arrested men, who deny any responsibility on the accident. The five wanted people are the consortium representative, the venture manager, the foreman - mechanical engineer and the Archaeological Service representatives (civil engineer and supervising engineer). In the meantime, experts continue their investigation to clarify the causes of the collapse.

Athanasakis Tatoulis Cross Swords

At the same time, PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis' comment caused political friction, as on Saturday he accused the Culture Ministry of opening the archaeological site to the public in 2004 and 2005, asking the Ministry and Mr Tatoulis to answer this question, which "they overlook rather easily."

"Considering there is a dead person and another six injured, political clash should come second and we should all help clarify the causes of the accident," replied Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, criticising the Opposition and further announcing there would be a Press Conference on Monday regarding the archaeological site.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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Investigation on the Tragedy

[04] He's Alive!

By Vagelis Theodorou

An elderly couple from Great Britain got the biggest shock of their lives when they came face-to-face with a friend of theirs. Maurice and Shirley Dodwell thought that they had attended the cremation of their friend Roy Spencer. After the funeral, they went to the wake at the house to pay their respects to the family of the deceased. But to their surprise, the "dead man" answered the door! "It was a terrible fright. I thought Id seen a ghost," said Mr Dodwell, aged 76. The mistake was made by his 76-year-old wife, who spotted Roy Spencers name in a death notice in the local newspaper. But, it was another Roy Spencer. "I may have had three heart attacks and a bypass but I was happy to assure them I was still alive and kicking," declared Mr Spencer.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Renewed Tension in the Middle East Responding with Raids

By Vagelis Theodorou

The situation in the Middle East is unsettled. Israel responded to the Palestinians mortar attacks with air raids against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip throughout the night. Two Hamas members were killed, while at least 20 people, including many children, were injured by the rockets launched by one F-16 and helicopters, targeting the offices of Hamas, located in a school and the homes of members of the Palestinian armed groups. Meanwhile, Israeli forces commenced a wide-scale military operation in the West Bank, arresting 207 Palestinian fighters. As per the Israeli radio, two top Hamas members, Hassan Youssef and Mohammed Ghazal, were among those arrested in the area, something that was also confirmed by their relatives. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed to use all means to stop cross-border rocket fire, while UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced his concerns over this new wave of violence in the Middle East.

Bloody Retaliation

The Israeli operations continued on Sunday afternoon, when they bombed areas close to the Gaza Strip, an operation described by a top official as a "practice range".

Following Sharons pledge to use all means to stop Islamic fighters, the Cabinet gave a green light for troops to shell Gaza to stop attacks.

At the same time, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank continue to be sealed off since Saturday, when the Israeli army banned any Palestinians not issued with work permits from entering Israel.

And while the Israeli air raids are continuing, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians participated in demonstrations in Jerusalem and Ramallah respectively, urging their leaders to collaborate for peace.

On a Tightrope

According to analysts, this new wave of violence comes at a time when Ariel Sharons leadership is under the microscope once again. The Israeli PM seems to be losing ground within his party (Likud) to Benjamin Netanyahu. On Monday, the two men will come face-to-face, since Likuds Central Committee will convene to select one of the two.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also in a tight spot. Abbas described the Israeli raid and mass arrests as unjustifiable, while he rejected the formation of a Palestinian state with temporary borders, as provided for by the Road Map, UNs peace plan for the Middle East.

The tense climate is expected to affect the Summit between Abbas and Sharon, scheduled for 2 October.

The situation in the Middle East intensified on Saturday, when Hamas launched a mortar attack against Israel, accusing it of an exposition recorded at a Hamas military parade on Friday, which resulted in the death of 10 people. Israel responded with raids in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of two Hamas members.

It should be noted that these were the first Israeli operations since the withdrawal of the army from the Gaza Strip on 12 September.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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Explosion Leads to Retaliation

[06] On Public Servants' Salaries Positive Adjustment

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Newspaper "Vradyni tis Kyrakis"

As noted by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos in his interview to newspaper Vradyni tis Kyrakis, the Government is planning a new salary scale, which would abolish any unjustifiable distinctions between public servants and would adjust their salaries higher. Asked to comment on the new salary scale, Mr Pavlopoulos declared that employees would be receiving equal pay for equal work. He also clarified that he is not announcing anything officially, since they are still in the process of collective bargaining, while he mentioned that the employees salaries would be adjusted upwards. "We are not cutting any benefits. We are just increasing the salaries of those who are not receiving those benefits unfairly," he added. However, he noted that no new benefits would be granted in the future. Referring to DEKOs (Public Utilities and Enterprises) and their newly hired employees, Mr Pavlopoulos pointed out, "ASEPs (Supreme Council for Personnel Selection) powers are not being affected at all," since all DEKO job openings that fall under ASEPs jurisdiction, would only be done through the Council.

The change relates only to those who will be hired in the future, noted the Minister, while the current employees that fall under the collective agreements will not be affected. ASEP, he added, is a guarantee and it would be prudent for the Opposition not to target the Council. Mr Pavlopoulos also referred to the innovations in the new public servants code, which includes introducing more objective criteria for promoting public sector employees, precipitating disciplinary processes and increasing the powers of lower-level employees. The Minister also announced changes in regional Greece and a new operational scheme for municipalities, while, referring to the Main Shareholder, he voiced the belief that Greece is right and not the European Commission.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Attended by the Greek President Celebrations for the Liberation of Tripolitsa

By Athina Saloustrou

The two-day anniversary celebrations for the 184 years since the liberation of Tripoli from the Turks were concluded today, in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias. The celebrations included a Mass at Agios Vassilios Cathedral, a speech by Mr Ioannis Kalliopoulos, professor at the University of Patras, and a school and military parade. "I am happy to be here today, a historic day for Hellenism and the Nation. The example set by the fighters of Tripolitsa remains seasonable and I believe that it is an example and a memory that should not be forgotten by any Greek," declared Mr Papoulias after the end of the two-day celebrations, which included the unveiling of the busts of judges Georgios Tertseris and Anastasios Polyzoidis, who refused to sign the unfair death penalty decision for Theodoros Kolokotronis.

Mr Papoulias arrived in Tripoli at 6:30pm on Saturday and attended an event dedicated to Tertseris and Polyzoidis, hosted in the Tripoli Civic Centre. State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos, who referred to the incident in detail and stressed that the two judges served Justice, was one of the guest speakers at the event.

KKE MP Liana Kanelli, who also spoke at the event, referred to the life of the two judges. In addition, SYN MP Fotis Kouvelis gave an account of the history of Greek Justice through the ages, while he described Kolokotronis trial as one of the first torments of Democracy. Giannis Panousis, Criminology Professor at the University of Athens, took the stand next and referred to the life and work of the two judges, describing their refusal to sign the condemning sentence against the Nations liberator as assertive, while he noted that their stance salvaged Greek Justice.

After the event, the Greek President unveiled the two busts, which now stand in front of the Tripoli Courthouse and opposite the statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis. He then attended a reception hosted at the Tripoli Officers Hall.

The Mayor of the city, as well as the locals, who had stormed the streets, the main square and the Civic Centre, warmly welcomed Mr Papoulias, who was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Petros Tatoulis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] "It Must Fulfil its Obligations" European Parliament Sticks to Counterstatement

By Athina Saloustrou

Even if negotiation talks with Turkey should open on October 3, there will be no chapter of harmonisation, if Turkey does not fulfil its obligations, said European Parliament rapporteur on Turkey Camiel Eurlings. In statements on RIK television channel, Mr Eurlings said the EU is very strict when it comes to implementing what has been agreed. As he underlined, the European Union wants the implementation of the Ankara Protocol and will not discuss nor negotiate it. What is more, there are indications that by the end of the year the UN will reopen talks over the Cypriot issue. Camiel Eurlings also stressed the huge importance of restarting efforts to solve the issue with Cyprus aiming at its reunion, because as he stressed, the two sides are moving away from each other.

Developments in European Parliament

In the meantime, Cypriot European Parliamentarians stated that the European Parliament could delay the ratification of the Customs Union Protocol between Turkey and the ten new Member-States, including Cyprus, if the Turkish government should promote its unilateral statement of not recognising Cyprus for ratification by its national assembly.

The discussion in the European Parliament has been scheduled for next Wednesday.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Iraklis' First Victory

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Sunday, Iraklis claimed their first victory in the championship with a fine performance in Crete, prevailing over OFI 0-1, thanks to Lagos' goal in the 24'. Disappointed by the performance of their team for the fourth time in a row, the fans of the Cretan team booed both the players and the technical staff, while the even threatened OFI President Fanis Voutsinas. However, things did not got worse thanks to the intervention of the Police. It is worth noting that after the end of the match, OFI's fans applauded Iraklis.

One of the Same for OFI

Iraklis prevailed in the Pagretio stadium, while Vangelis Vlachos' players were still trying to find their pace.

After missing out on a good opportunity in the 12' with Herrera, the guests opened the score in the 24', when Murati passed to Lagos and the young offender did not have a hard time sending the ball into the nets. The same player came close to scoring twice in the 26', but this time Sifakis saved the ball.

In the rerun and after Papazacharias lost a good opportunity in the 47' (header went wide), the Cretans came close to tying in the 57', when Triantafyllou made a strong kick, Dilberis saved the ball and Nwafor sent it wide in the rebound.

OFI tried hard to reach the draw, but Iraklis were in a good day and did not leave much room for reaction, thus ending the match 0-1.

Referee: Vasilis Skoufitsas (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Triantafyllou, Arvanitis, Gonzalez, Roubakis, Lawal, Murati, Epalle, Seghiri OFI: Sifakis, Arvanitis, Gonzalez, Davidson, Roubakis, Kounenakis, Sfakianakis (46' Dejanov), Chadjiadrian, Plousis (58' Adrianino), Kazantzis (46' Nwafor), Triantafyllou

IRAKLIS: Dilberis, Papazacharias, Seghiri, Snaucner, Prittas, Lawal (77' Fortuzzi, 87' Katsiabis), Epalle, Drougas, Murati (61' Poursanidis), Herrera, Lagos.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Xanthi Ranks Second

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With a goal in the 88', Skoda Xanthi managed to claim victory over Levadeiakos in the fourth round of the Greek Football Championship. With this victory, Giannis Matzourakis have a total of 10 points, thus ranking second in the scoreboard, while Levadiakos had only a good performance to show for themselves but no points. Kazakis was Xanthi's scorer with a nice header.

Ambivalent Match

Before the match Xanthi seemed as the definitive favourite, however things did not turn out that way in the pitch. Levadiakos and Takis Lemonis played purely defensively and Xanthi failed to threaten Zafeiropoulos in the first half. On the contrary, the guests were more offensive and came close to scoring thrice with Rusev (18'), Chrysafis (22') and Bushi (32'), but Pizanowski was right in place and saved the ball.

In the rerun, Xanthi's goalkeeper stopped Bushi from scoring once again and then Matzourakis' team speeded up, moving more aggressively in the opponent's area. In the 54', Torosidis could have opened the score, but Zafeiropoulos was at the right place at the right time, while in the 64' the same player's header went slightly wide. Despite the home team's efforts, it seemed like a goalless match. However, in the 88' Kazakis relieved Xanthi from the stress, when his header found its way into the nets and gave Xanthi three points.

Referee: Vassaras (Thessaloniki)

Yellow Cards: Antzas, Luciano, Bushi, Kallimanis

LINEUPS

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Torosidis, Sikov (55' Garpozis), Paviot, Papadimitriou, Chikinho (70' Carabas), Maghradze, Antzas, Emerson, Luciano, Changy (46' Kazakis)

LEVADIAKOS: Zafeiropoulos, Korea, Pastos, Dimou, Kallimanis, Bassala (78' Iordache), Zisopoulos, Rusev (78' Pappas), Chryssafis, Masara, Bushi (61' Alex)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] With Luck by its Side

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

AEK should dedicate todays victory to Lady Luck. Although it won the three points, thanks to a goal by Venglinskyi in the 58, it was Larissa that stole the limelight with its performance. The newcomers to the premier league were unlucky, as they missed many opportunities to score. Apart from luck, though, Fernando Santos squad had Sorrentino, who managed to keep his nets goalless.

Sorrentino and Missed Opportunities

The match in Larissas Alcazar Stadium had two main points.

Firstly, Larissas very good performance, which, however, was accompanied by the footballers inability to send the ball to the nets.

Secondly, luck was by AEKs side for the first time this season. The team followed the same recipe (keeping the score in the defence at zero and chasing a goal through counterattacks) and managed to finish the game with the three points of victory in the bag, mainly thanks to Italian Sorrentino.

AEK seems to have found in the goalkeeper the missing link, compared to last years championship. Sorrentino guides his defence with great expertise, but also has great reflexes when faced with a threat, saving many goals.

This was also the first time this season that AEK managed to score a goal after an exemplary counterattack. Soares crossed to unmarked Venglinskyi in the centre of the offence, with the Ukrainian putting the ball away.

AEK only missed a few opportunities. On the other hand, Larissa came close to scoring quite a few times, but in the end they were left with a sour taste in their mouth.

Referee: Thanasis Briakos (Epirus)

Yellow Cards: Gavrilopoulos, Dabizas Venglinskyi, Kontis, Soares, Katsouranis

LARISSA: Kotsolis (68 Bachramis), Katsiaros, Dabizas, Simos (83 Kyparissis), Vela Junior, Digozis, Serban, Aloneftis, Kalantzis (61 Spasic), Gavrilopoulos

AEK: Sorrentino, Kontis, Malbasa, Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Katsouranis, Kyriakidis, Ivic (88 Pliatsikas), Cezar (75 Lakis), Krassas (46 Soares), Venglinskyi.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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