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

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rejecting the UN Security Council Plan

20 Αυγ 2008 12:04:00 (Last updated: 20 Αυγ 2008 13:48:29)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Developments on Caucasus are on edge. The Russian Upper Parliament is holding an extraordinary meeting on Monday to descuss the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetias independence. The two secessed Republics declared their independence from Georgia unilaterally in the beginning of the 90s afte the collapse of the former Soviet Union. In parallel, Russia rejected at the UN Security Council the French plan on the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Georgia. The Russian Ambassador to the UN stated that the French plan does not include the six points of the plan promoted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, signed by both Moscow and Tbilisi. From its side NATO has announced that it will suspend all its contacts with Moscow for as long as its forces remain in Georgia, upgrading in parallel its relations with Tbilisi. The Kremlin announced tha the Russian troops will withdraw from the biggest part of Georgia by the end of the week.

Rice Fire

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice launched a harsh attack against Russiaon CBS netwwork, accusing it of acting as a "criminal" in its crisis with Georgia, and causing intentional destruction to the neighbouring country.

She also said that Russia was self-isolating itself and becoming more and more illegal in this crisis. Furthermore, she argued that Russia is the looser, as it is wasting its chances to join international institutions. In parallel, she accused Russia of causing intentional damage on political infrastructure, and referred to humanitarian organizations that accused Moscow of using dispersion bombs against civilians, something which the Kremlin rejected.

Finally, she reported that NATO is examining to implement further measures against Russia if the latter does not change its conduct.

Saakashvili in a Surprise Tour

The Romanian President Traian Basescu, who is paying a surprise tour to the Ukraine, Modlova, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey tomorrow, will meet with his Georgian countepart Michael Saakashvili.

Within the framework of this tour he will meet also meet with the leaderships of the above countries to discuss the crisis in Caucasus and its consequences. Bilateral issues will also be discussed.

Mr Basescu had stated recently that Romania supports Georgias dominion and territorial integrity. However, the Romanian president had not participated in the in the rally in support of Georgia in Tbilisi last week.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Agreement on Anti-missile Shield

Stern Message

NATO Extraordinary Meeting

[02] Spain

20 Αυγ 2008 16:32:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΑNA

A Spanish aircraft has been involved in a serious incident during take off at Madrids main airport, according to Spanish media reports. There are conflicting reports on the number of casualties. Local mass media report that the plane skidded off the runway at Barajas Airport Terminal Four as it was taking off. "El Mundo" newspaper says that at least 2 people may have been killed and 43 injured. The Spanair plane, with 160 passengers on board was travelling from Madrid to Gran Canaria. A spokesman for emergency services said that the plane made emergency landing shortly after take off. Eleven fire brigades have sped to the scene.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] "Lightning" Bolt Makes History

Sources: REUTERS

Jamaicas Usain "Lightning" Bolt roared to gold in the 200 metres on Wednesday to become the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win an Olympic sprint double.

"Im Number One," he mouthed at TV cameras, beating his chest and blowing kisses at the 91,000 crowd in the Birds Nest.

Bolt had won the 100m at the showcase Olympic stadium in swashbuckling style at the weekend, also setting a world record.

This time, he again joked on his way to the block, firing an imaginary arrow in the air, but looked deadly serious as he opened up a big gap and steamed through the finishing line to beat Michael Johnsons 1996 record by two hundredths of a second.

Bolt, who turns 22 on Thursday, has established himself as the joint hero of the Games along with American swimmer Michael Phelps who took an unprecedented eight golds.

[04] Kaklamanakis Honours Greece

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greek sailing star Nikos Kaklamanakis in his fifth participation in Olympic Games finished 8th in RSXS final. The Greek sailing athlete has won a gold medal in Atlanta, a silver medal in Athens and finished 6th place in Sydney, 9th place in Barcelona. He has also conquered 3 first and 2 second places in World Championships. He has also won one first and two third places in European championships. One the oldest athletes, 40 year-old, to take part in Beijing Olympic Games, Kaklamanakis proved once again his talent with his performance.

Very Good Performance in Synchronized Swimming

Evi Makriyianni and Despoina Solomou finished 10th place in synchronized swimming duet competition. Their very good performance in the Beijing Olympics allow for big hopes for a most promising future of the 18 year-old athletes. The 8- member rowing delegation among them Basilis Polymeros and Dimitris Mougios, who won silver medal in rowing men lightweight double, are to arrive in Athens, on Thursday. Also arriving on Thursday are Hrisa Biskitzi and Alexandra Tsiavou finished 6th in women rowing double lightweight and Yiannis Hristou 10th

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Strict Implementation of New System

20 Αυγ 2008 15:37:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

After his meeting today with the presidium of the non-government organization "International Transparency-Hellas", Transport and Communications Minister, K. Hatzidakis announced the implementation of a new system for the issue of drivers licenses and vehicle inspections (KTEO) till the end of the year without taking into consideration any reactions or political cost. According to a survey carried out by "International Transparency-Hellas", bribery for acquisition of drivers license is about 300 euros and for vehicle inspection about 150 euros. Transport Minister said that among issues to be reviewed, related to citizens services and development of the country,

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] New Plans for 2009

20 Αυγ 2008 15:09:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

Following a meeting of the Inner Cabinet, whom he briefed on tourist movement this summer, Tourism Development Minister, Aris Spiliotopoulos said that there is an estimated 8.5% rise in tourism during the month of August. Mr. Spiliotopoulos underlined the great prospects for Greeces tourism since it withstood the global difficult circumstances. He announced plans for 2009 include promotion of Greece as a holiday destination to the so called emerging markets. He said that a 3% rise in tourist arrivals was recorded from January to June while figures remained the same in July compared to last year.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Iraq-China Oil Agreement

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Iraq is on the verge of reviving an oil contract with China worth $1.2 billion, its largest oil deal since the invasion in 2003, an Oil Ministry official said Tuesday. The deal sets new terms for an agreement reached between China National Petroleum Company and Iraq under Saddam Hussein in 1997. In his interview with Iraqi newspaper "Nour", Oil Ministry Hussein al-Shahristani clarified that unlike that agreement, which included production-sharing rights, the new one is a service contract, under which China would be paid for its work to develop the Ahdab oil field southeast of Baghdad but would not be a partner in the profits. Iraqs oil minister will visit China at the end of August for talks to complete the agreement. In parallel, Iraq Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani also rejected "as absolutely unfair" the agreement signed under Saddam Housein and Russias largest private oil company LUKOIL on stage 2 of West Kourna oil field, one of the largest oil fields in Iraq.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Agreement on Anti-missile Shield

Sources: ANA-MPA

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed today the agreement on the deployment of the American anti-missile shield in Poland, despite Moscows intense objections.

Ms Rice and her Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski signed an agreement that is the result of negotiations that lasted 15 months.

As per the agreement, the US will deploy on Polish soil 10 anti-missile systems by 2012. These will be able to destroy long range ballistic missiles in air to the protection of Europe.

The Polish-American anti-missile shield will also have radar bases that will be deployed in the Chech Republic. The relevant agreement with Prague was signed on 8 July.

Although Washington argues that the "shield" aims at protecting Europe from a potential attack from countries such as Iran, Moscow considers it a threat against Russias national security, warning that its response will be similar.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Youth Band Festival

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Seven hundred musicians from 7 countries are taking part in the 11th International Youth Band Festival, held from 20-24, August, in Thessaloniki Echedoros Municipality.

The International Youth Band Festival once again joins its voice with all those struggling to save the planet while a new artistic unity of skepticism and exchange of views entitled "All different, All equal" has been introduced for the first time this year. Without religious or racial prejudices and exclusions, The Youth Band Festival signals the beginning of cultural unity in the era of globalization.

The 11th International Youth Band Festival is gradually developing with encouraging and innovative proposals and cooperations which have established it as a significant cultural event in the music field. The peoples warm response has encouraged organizers to link cultural values, international band meetings and the countrys musical enrichment with issues of modern social reality.

The International Festival is organized under the auspices of the Culture and Macedonia Thrace Ministries, the New Generation General Secretariat, Thessaloniki Prefecture.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Doubalidis Did his Best

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Kostas Dubalidis, who finished 5th, in 13:55 time, in first semifinal round, did not make through to men 110m hurdles medal race. The Greek athlete did his best competing against world top spriters in a race where the three best performances of the two semifinal races were achieved by Dayron Robles( 13:12), David Payne (13:21), Ladji Doucour&#233; ( 13:22).

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] Tornado:Pashalidis/Trigonis Finished 8th

Iordanis Pashalidis and Kostas Trigonis boat placed 8th in tornado class sailing race. This position reduces possibilities to win a medal. The Greek crew finished 10th in the eighth race, 6th in the ninenth race,13th in the tenth race, placed 8th with 60 points punishment. The tornado medal race will take place on Thursday.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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