The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fani Halkia Fails Drug Test

Sources: AFP

Greek runner Fani Halkia, who won gold in the womens 400m hurdles at the Athens Olympics, has tested positive for a banned substance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Sunday. The 29-year-old failed the test while in Japan preparing for the ongoing 2008 Beijing Olympics and is now expected to be formally expelled from the Games by the IOCs disciplinary committee. According to her entourage, she spoke to members of the Greek press overnight. This development follows a decision by the IOC to exclude her compatriot, sprinter Ekaterina Thanou from the Beijing Olympics. The 33-year-old missed the 2004 edition after she and fellow sprinter Kostas Kenteris missed an eve of Games dope test - their third in a year.

[02] Ten Policemen Killed in Afghanistan

Sources: ANA-AFP

A road side bomb has killed 10 policemen in Afghanistan, at a time when 7,000 policemen have been deployed in Kabul to guarantee the safety of events celelbrating the 89th anniversary from the countrys independence from the British, reported official sources. The police chief of Kandahar province, Mutiullah Khan, blamed the bombing on the "enemies of Afghanistan" -- a phrase most Afghan officials use to refer to Taliban militants. Khan said the policemen were on a routine patrol at the time of the explosion. Roadside bombs are widely used by the Taliban and other militants in their attacks on Afghan and foreign troops.

At the same time, a circular issued by the Interior Ministry reports that more than 7,000 policemen have been deployed in and out of Kabul to guarantee the safety of events celebrating the 89th anniversary from the countrys independence.

The circular describes the deployment of policemen the biggest operation launched in Kabul in the last months, stressing "the objective is to avert terror attacks and guarantee safety in the capital."

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Christofias-Talat Meetings

17 Αυγ 2008 14:04:00

Sources: ANA-MPA

The President of the Cyprus Republic D. Christofias described his 3 September meeting with Turish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the Cyprus issue "procedural" and the one to follow on 11/9 2008 "productive"

On his way back from Beijing, Mr Christofias reported that he is preparing feverishly fro the talks.

Referring to his meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, he stated that China considers Cyprus as its best friend in Europe.

AKEL party spokesman Andros Kyprianou also referred to the imminent talks on the resolution of the Cyprus issue. He said the talks would constitute an endurance test for both sides.

Commenting on publications as per which the talks would be an "endurance test" for Mehmet Ali Talata against Ankara, Mr Kyrpianou said there is no doubt that the Turkish-Cypriot leader will encounter many difficulties that will derive from Turkeys establishment and the opposition in occupied Cyprus.

He also described the talks hard for both sides, adding that for that reason "we should not give way with the first difficulties."

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] "Free Gaza" with 46 Volunteers

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Two FREE Gaza vessels carrying 46 volunteers from all over the world have left from Sitia to Cyprus and Gaza port. The volunteers included a 84-year-old man who had survived the Holocaust. All volunteers will provide the Palestinian authorities with medical aid and with messages against blockade by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has approved today the imminent release of about 200 Palestinian prisoners, in an attempt to boost efforts for peace and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas position, reported Israeli officials.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Back to the Camp

The Greek unit returned from Mitrovica, Kosovo to the Megas Alegandros camp at 10:00, Sunday. The battalion left the camp Saturday morning due to the imminent burning of toxic waste. The battalion is on alert and ready to move again when the burning of toxic waste is decided again.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] "One-Party Government the Objective"

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

ND party cadres have stated that they aim at a one-party government in the next elections, rejecting rumours on early elections. In an interview with Eleftheros Typos newspaper, the Transport Minister ruled out a two-party government, rejecting presently the eventuality of early elections now. He also stressed that the ND party remains united despite is cadres different views. Referring to corruption cases, Mr Hatzidakis invited all who has evidence against party cadres to name them, adding that the ND party is not perfect.

Meanwhile, ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis said on Saturday that the ruling partys objective is to form a one-party government in the next elections.

In an interview with the above newspaper, PASOK cadre Panos Beglitis stated that election talk benefits the ruling party, adding that his partys objective is to win in the euro elections. He also asked from his party to stop appealing for cooperation with other parties.

Papandreou Criticism

PASOK leader George Papandreou blamed the government for depreciating the sectors of Education, Health and coastal navigation. He also stressed that only his party can offer Greeks a vision and hope, something which the ruling government has failed to do.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Fires still Burning

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Fires in Pili, Evia; Ligourio, Argolida; Hani Ploumi, Nafpaktos and Amarantos, Konitsa are still burning forestland. The Fire Brigade and fire-fighting planes are operating in the above areas. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades prompt action extinguished a fire that broke out on Mt Pentelis ring road at 01:00.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Rentoumi Was Eliminated

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Flora Rentoumi of Greece failed to qualify for the semifinals of the Womens 100m Hurdles at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Clocking 13.56, she was eliminated. After her race, Rentoumi said: "The truth is that its been a long time since the last time I had such a poor performance. I started off slowly and I lost ground. I believe that Delloreen Enis-London of Jamaica will clinch first place."

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