The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-01-05

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

CONTENTS

5/1/2001 2:32:24 ìì

[01] Rising concern in Europe and the Balcans over the so-called Balcan syndrome

Up to now, 15 soldiers from Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Holland have lost their lives from leukemia, while four more French soldiers are suffering from the same disease.

All soldiers had participated in the war against Kossovo. Meanwhile, following confirmation that the first case has already been reported in Greece that of an army officer, who has been treated for leukemia since last August it is expected that all Greek soldiers who served in Bosnia and Kosovo will be examined. Addionally, it has been anounced after an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministry with the participation of four ministers that the Greek soldiers serving in the area are not in danger since all precautionary measures have been taken.

During a cabinet meeting yesterday, the Prime-minster Costas Simitis urged a calm response to the so-called Balkan syndrome, involving cancer among peacekeeping soldiers who served in Yugoslavia, particularly during NATO air raids.

However, he gave orders for a meeting to be convened to examine the issue. From his side, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas has stated that the government would very soon receive from NATO all data regarding the issue. In tandem, the government has decided to ask for clarifications from NATO as to whether the bombardments in Yiugoslavia should be held responsible for the so-called Balkan Syndrom.

In the meantime, Germany announced that none of its soldiers are suffering from the Balkan syndrom, while Canada has announced that there is no evidence so far that the bombs of depleted uranium are connected to the cancer cases.

Finally, the Union of Italian Fishermen announced yesterday that it asked from the government to conduct research in order to discover as to whether the bombs that fell in the Adriatic Sea during the last years had depleted uranium.

[02] A period of stability and rapid development begins for Greece with its official entry into the euro zone

The government, he said, would also focus on more rapid development, full employment, prosperity and social cohesion.

A more general target, the Prime-minister stressed, was for real convergence in all sectors with other EU countries.

Mr. Simitis maintained that entry into the Economic Monetary Union meant the beginning of a period of stability and development for the country, with opportunities for creativity and progress.

Greece had upgraded its political prestige on the international scene, he said, and increased its potential to influence major decisions. He alsï of the Athens Academy since 1990, was elected Vice-president last.

[03] Weather forecast

The temperature in Athens will range from 8 to 16 degrees Centigrate and in Thessaloniki from 6 to 12 degrees.

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