The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Focus on High Cost of Living

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Todays debate in Parliament on political party leaders level and under PASOK President George Papanrdeous initiative is expected to focus on the Siemens case and the high cost of living

The issue expected to dominate the debate is the Siemens case, which has been causing turbulence in the Greek political system.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Papandreou on Siemens Case

[02] Spain Beats Russia 3-0 to Reach Final

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Xavi Hernandez, Dani Guiza and David Silva each scored to give the Spaniards a shot at their second European title when they play Germany on Sunday at Ernst Happel Stadium. Spain, which won the 1964 European tournament, ended its run of five quarterfinal defeats by beating Italy in a penalty shootout Sunday. It confirmed its title aspirations with a penetrating passing attack on a slick surface in pouring rain against Russia.

The Spaniards and Germans have not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw in the 1994 World Cup. Overall, Germany has won eight of 19 meetings, with Spain taking five and six draws. In competitive games, it is 4-1-2 for Germany.

Germany beat Turkey 3-2 on Thursday night and is seeking a record fourth Euro title.

Spain will face Germany without striker David Villa, who was injured while taking a free kick in the first half. Villa, the tournaments leading scorer with four goals, limped off the field and was replaced by Cesc Fabregas in the 34th minute.

Spain coach Luis Aragones said Villa will miss the final.

"Its not serious," the coach said. "He has a pull."

Xavis goal came in the 50th minute. He slid a ball through for Andres Iniesta, who eluded one defender before unleashing a shot from just inside the box. Xavi followed to side-foot the ball past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev.

Two Spanish substitutes combined to make it 2-0 in the 73rd. Fabregas flicked a ball over the top of the defense and Guiza finished with the outside of his right foot, putting the ball high into the net.

Fabregas then slid a pass through for an unmarked Silva inside the box in the 82nd and he ended any hope for Russia.

The Spaniards didnt seem distracted by reports that Aragones was set to join Turkish club Fenerbahce as coach after Euro 2008. They were precise with the ball and staunch on defense all through the game.

Spain, which beat the Soviet Union 2-1 in the 1964 final in Madrid, has never lost to Russia in five matches, including a 4-1 win two weeks ago in the first round.

Russia never got its speedy, creative attack on track.

[03] Alogoskoufis to Visit EXPO 2008

By Athina Saloustrou

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis will depart for Zaragoza on Friday, heading up a Greek delegation, to tour the World Expo 2008 Exhibition, entitled Water and Sustainable Development. This years theme has been described as especially interesting due to the fact that water is described as "21st Century Oil." The UN General Assembly has declared the 2005-2015 decade the "water for life" decade. Tomorrow has been declared "Day for Greece" from the EXPO 2008.

Greece is participating in the exhibition with events that aim at increasing the awareness Greeces relations with water and the vital role it had played in the development of the ancient Greek civilisation.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Greece to the European Court

By Athina Saloustrou

The Commission will refer Greece and eight more EU member-states to the European Court because they have not incorporated in their national Law an EU directive on punishing those who litter the environment. European Commissioner responsible for the Environment Stavros Dimas has described the directive one of the most important parts of the European Environmental law that had been established in the last years.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Oil Prices Drop after Thursday's all Times Record Price

By Athina Saloustrou

Oil prices have been dropping Friday after yesterdays all times record of $US140 per barrel, while OPECs President stated that the price of crude oil might reach $US170 per barrel. The price of light crude for morning transactions for August delivery has been dropping by 83 cents to 139 $US 139 per barrel. Yesterday, oil prices rose by five dollars reaching for the first time $US140.38 due to fears of shortage of supplies. The OPEC President forecast that the oil price might vary from 150-170 dollars during the summer and drop at the end of the year.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] California Hit by Wildfires

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA-MPA

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has warned residents in California of the repercussions smoke could have on their health from the 1,000 fires that have been raging in the area.

As per the governor, about 7,000 firemen are combating the blaze that has burned until now over607 square kilometers. About 40 buildings have been destroyed and 900 people evacuated.

Although a Fire Brigade representative stated that progress has been taking place in combating the blaze, he is afraid of lightning-sparked fires that may start from storms at the end of the week.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] 15yo Boy Drowns in Ardas River

Sources: ANA-MPA

A 15-year-old boy from Orestiada drowned in Ardas River, where he had gone to swim with three of his friends. At around 15:00, his friends lost him as they were swimming and then informed the authorities.

The police, the Fire Brigade and an EMAK unit from Komotini, as well as divers tried to locate the lost boy, whose body was found at 19:00, 20 metres away from the point his friends had originally shown he had been swimming.

The police are investigating the case.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Philippines: Search for Survivors Ends

By Athina Saloustrou

The search for the hundreds of missing believed to have been trapped in wreckage in southern Philippines has stopped as divers discovered the ship carried ten tones of toxic pesticides. The divers will open a hole in hull to let the chemicals escape the ship. Sulpicio Lines, the owner of Princess of the Stars reported that it did not know the ship had been carrying pesticides. The Health authorities had warned that the specific pesticide can cause nausea, dizziness, spasm and even death. The ship also had 100,000 litres of fuel.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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