The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-09

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] At the Federation's Examining Committee

09 Apr 2008 20:42:00

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ANA-NET

In a four-page memo, weightlifting coach Christos Iakovou presented his view on the doping case of 11 athletes, arguing that he is telling the truth and adding that he will present before justice. He reports in detail who was involved in the order of the preparation and who had given them to the athletes. Moreover, he reported that the Weightlifting Federation had been aware of the case, expressing his bitterness for some officials. Mr Iakovou stated that he had never used illegal substances for 19 years as a coach, adding that the Federation was aware of the preparation offered to athletes In his 900-word text Mr Iakovou reports how he has met Panagiotis Katselos and how his associate doctor Christos Zafeiriou provided the athletes with preparation. Furthermore, he states that the Chinese company that P. Katselos contacted had sent two consignments of the specific amino acids. The athletes who used the first consignment underwent tests which proved negative. Thus, the first consignment was credible. In parallel, he reported that he had briefed Zafeiriou that the athletes had received amino acids and in turn he briefed the Federation.

As for the second consignment, in a check conducted by WADA to 13 athletes, the tests for 11 athletes proved positive and only two negative. The two athletes, whose tests proved negative, had not taken any amino acids because they had been injured.

Finally, Iakovou argued that he and the doctor had not provided the athletes with the forbidden substances, adding that he talked with P. Katselos to provide him with further explanations. Katselos swore to his child that he had no idea as to who had provided the athletes with the forbidden substances, adding that the second consignment should have been defective.

Katselos briefed the Chinese company on the second consignment after three days, while Iakovou presented EOAV with the companys two e-mails in which the Chinese accept their tragic mistake.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Iakovou: "I Told the Truth"

[02] Counting Ballots at Student Elections

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8

Student elections at Universities and Technological Institutes ended in a relatively good climate despite minor material damage caused by a group of hooded youths at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki. Turnout was similar to last year's, while the Students Union failed in releasing similar results due to disagreement recorded among the students parties

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Alavanos Tours Heraklion

Sources: ��� 105.8, �NA

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary spokesman Alekos Alavanos toured Heraklion, Crete today told reporters that his party wishes to make proposals that will refer to the future and not to yesterday. Furthermore, he said that his party will deal with the PASOK and KKE criticism and give answers to current problems. Finally, Mr Alavanos visited the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and was briefed on the works carried out there.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] G. Papandreou Addresses Economist Conference

Sources: ��� 105.8

PASOK (Socialists) party leader George Papandreou addressed the conference organised by the Economist magazine at the seaside resort of Vouliagmeni on Wednesday, making special reference to high prices, the energy and ecological crisis. A Europe that will wake up from its lethargy and a US that will contribute to a more just world will be able to jointly face the challenges. Greeces problem with the economy is evident from the governments neo-conservative character and the inflation which has reached to the unprecedented 4.5%, the third biggest in the eurozone. "The Greek economy appears vulnerable and not armoured today," stressed Mr Papandreou.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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