The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-20

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Qualifies

By Ampelakis Spyros

Sources: ANA-Reuters

Greece qualified for next month's Beijing Games with a comfortable 88-63 semi-final win over Puerto Rico in the Olympic qualifying tournament on Saturday. Puerto Rico will have another chance to qualify when they face Germany, who lost to Croatia in the other semi-final, for the final Beijing spot in Sunday's third place playoff. Greece, tipped as potential medals winners in Beijing, raced to a 15-4 lead in less than five minutes and never looked back. Setting a frantic pace in front of a fiery 12,000 home crowd, and coupled with an all-court pressing game, the Greeks stung their opponents on the break while Puerto Rico were made to work hard for their baskets. Greek centre Sofoklis Schortsianitis, who shed more than 25 kilos halfway through last season, was outstanding in keeping the towering Puerto Rican duo of Peter John Ramos and Daniel Santiago at bay while also scoring 13 points. Puerto Rico's Jose Juan Barea was the game's top scorer with 16.Greece qualified for next months Beijing Games with a comfortable 88-63 semi-final win over Puerto Rico in the Olympic qualifying tournament on Saturday. Puerto Rico will have another chance to qualify when they face Germany, who lost to Croatia in the other semi-final, for the final Beijing spot in Sundays third place playoff. Greece, tipped as potential medals winners in Beijing, raced to a 15-4 lead in less than five minutes and never looked back. Setting a frantic pace in front of a fiery 12,000 home crowd, and coupled with an all-court pressing game, the Greeks stung their opponents on the break while Puerto Rico were made to work hard for their baskets. Greek centre Sofoklis Schortsianitis, who shed more than 25 kilos halfway through last season, was outstanding in keeping the towering Puerto Rican duo of Peter John Ramos and Daniel Santiago at bay while also scoring 13 points. Puerto Ricos Jose Juan Barea was the games top scorer with 16.

[02] "Present Status Quo Unacceptable"

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

On the occasion of the 34th anniversary, commemorating the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus Ms Bakoyannis stated that that day not only reminds us the Turkish invasion to Cyprus and the occupation of European territory of an EU member-state, as well as the violation of the Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, she stresses that that unacceptable situation should end and a viable, just and operational solution should be reached so that a bizonal, bicommunal federation is founded. The solution should be based on the Security Council resolutions and the Community patrimony.

She also assures that President Christofias and the Cypriot leadership will enjoy Greeces support towards that direction.

Referring to Turkeys role, she stresses that the Turkish leadership should not encourage intransigence with its actions, but on the contrary encourage modesty and sobriety so that a fresh and well prepared effort for negotiations commences within the UN framework.

Finally, Ms Bakoyannis describes the present status quo in Cyprus unacceptable, stressing that it should change so that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can enjoy the benefits from Cyprus accession to the EU.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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