The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-14

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Katrina Tour

By Annita Paschalinou

Four months after hurricane Katrina hit the American south and devastated New Orleans, the drama has been turned into an attraction for tourists. As of 4 January, a tourist agency would be including in its schedule a tour around the almost disappeared neighbourhoods of the city. The agency supported the nature of the tour is not profiteering. On the contrary, it is a form of protest against the authorities and the delayed measures of rebuilding New Orleans.

Experience the Tragedy in 15 Minutes

For this reason, 10% of the 35-dollar ticket, valid for three hours, will be given to humanitarian organisations to relieve the victims of hurricane Katrina.

"People around the country don't understand it until they see it firsthand," Gregory Hoffman, general manager of Gray Lines New Orleans, told Reuters. "We may pass out maps that show the depths of the devastation, but after you ride around for fifteen minutes in those areas you don't really need any more," said Hoffman.

At the same time however, there are people protesting over the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Tour, because they think trades human suffering.

Next Stop Superdome

The tour includes a history of the Mississippi River and the levees intended to protect city inhabitants and their properties, as well as the ravaged Lakeview neighbourhood.

What is more, it will pass by the Superdome stadium, where storm victims waited for days to be rescued with little food, water or medical attention.

During the tour, passengers will not be allowed to get of the bus and take pictures of the destroyed neighbourhoods.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Joyous Rendezvous at Syntagma Sq

By Vicky Keleri

The City of Athens is setting up the most joyous rendezvous tomorrow evening at Syntagma Square to welcome Christmas all together! Tomorrow at 6.30pm the Christmas Tree will be lighted, showing us the way to the years most favourite holiday!

Moreover, the "City of Sugar" awaits us, keeping its "sweet" nature and unfolding a fairy tales with heroes straight out of classic Christmas stories, with small, doll-like confectioneries in a revived neighbourhood, which knows how to keep traditions and also the carousel for the young and old.

The surprises do not end here! On Friday, December 16, at 6pm, the "City of Gifts" opens its doors at Kotzias Square with ideas for holiday gifts and a carousel.

On Saturday, December 17, at 12.30pm the "Crystal City" opens at Zappeion, where a 450sqm ice rink awaits young and old to wear their ice skates, while special trainers will show us the secrets of ice-skating.

On Tuesday, December 20, at 6pm the "Tree of Stars" will be lighted at Omonoia Square.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Papoulias-Jerusalem Patriarch Meeting By the Side of Jerusalem Patriarchate

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, ANA

This morning, the President of the Republic met with Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilus. Mr Papoulias noted that Greece is determined to help in order for any difficulties in the Patriarchate to be overcome. Moreover, he noted that what is mostly important is "for the emotional balance in the Patriarchate to be reinstated," and thus, as he said to Mr Theophilus, it is important for "a spirit of unity and community to exist, which means that all of you should be united." "For what I can observe and from your course you are also driven by these ideas." On his part, the Jerusalem Patriarch voiced his emotion on the welcoming he received and his acknowledgements "for the active support and interest exhibited by the Greek State, but you personally, with honouring and signalling the importance of the new election and the instauration of calmness in the Jerusalem Patriarchate with your position and presence."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Foresees a Small Increase of the Budget New British Proposal Troubles

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, ANA

The new proposal of the British Presidency spoke of a small increase of the community Budget for 2007-2013, which was submitted today in an attempt to reach an agreement between the 25 leaders of EU Member-States, in the crucial over the future of Europe, Summit Meeting, which begins tomorrow in Brussels. In particular, Great Britain proposed that the Budget should reach 847 billion euros (1.03% of the EUs GDP) as opposed to 847 billion euros foreseen by its previous proposal, on December 5. In the meantime, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw did not give specific data on the proposed aid to the 10 new members from Eastern Europe, which accessed the EU last year, but noted that the new proposal will allow the increase of help for Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. There is no change on the British rebate for the European Budget and Britains intention to receive a cut of 8 billion euros in its rebate by 2013. "These new positions reconfirm that if a fundamental reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is not made, there will not be a fundamental reform of the rebate," said Straw in an announcement, which is published on the website of the EU British Presidency.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Real Madrid Defeated by PAO

By Vasilis Kalpinos

From now on, Panathinaikos is enjoying the solitude of Euroleagues Group C by defeating Real Madrid 87-71 in the game of the 7th round. The game was a derby in the first three periods, but in the fourth, the "greens" stepped on the gas pedal and easily scored a great win. This was the sixth win for the team of Zelimir Obradovic, while the second defeat for Real Madrid in 7 games. The fans of Panathinaikos welcomed Bozidar Maljkovic, the coach that led them to their first European title, with an extended applause, while he returned the recognition by putting his hand on his heart and bowing. The score of the ten-minute periods: 20-15, 37-36, 59-57, 87-71.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Olympiacos Defeats Olimpia Milano

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In the game of the 7th round of Euroleagues Group B, Olympiacos crushed Olimpia Milano 89-67. The "reds" of Jonas Kazlauskas exhibited power against the Italian team of Claudio Coldebella and Vukcevic, which did not resemble at all the team that defeated Barcelona in the previous round. This was the third win for the "reds," which entered them in the game for qualifying. The score of the ten-minute periods: 23-16, 42-37, 67-48, 89-67.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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