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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-01-18The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTSNEWS IN ENGLISH ERA 5. THE VOICE OF GREECE 18/1/2001 2:33:58 μμ [01] Enquiry into Yugoslav imported foodstuffThe Athens public prosecutor's office has ordered a preliminary enquiry to ascertain whether uranium contaminated vegetables have been imported from Yugoslavia, after scientists from the Athens Polytechnic School warned of the dangers of radioactive contamination through the food chain.However, the ministers of development and agriculture, have given assurances that following checks up to now, there is no reason for concern. The national defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos also gave assurances that foodstuff destined for the armed forces were thoroughly checked by the competent Health Committee. In addition, development minister Nikos Christodoulakis stated that the results of the research carried out by the Greek Atomic Energy Committee will be released in 10 days. For his part, agriculture minister George Anomeritis stated that since last week, orders had been given for all products coming from countries of the former Yugoslavia to be subject to intensive checks, and the results would be released shortly. He added that other tests conducted in various parts of the country indicated that Greece's surface were clear of radioactivity. [02] Concern over depleted uranium missilesThe European Union has urged for the suspense of the use of ammunition with depleted uranium, following a relative decision of the europarliament which 394 Eurodeputies voted for. Meanwhile, 103 Greek Eurodeputies handed a resolution to the speaker of the European Parliament, asking for the ban of these weapons.Germany is now searching to find plutonium in Nato bombs, while soldiers seem reluctant to join the peace keeping force in Kosovo. Furthermore, the Greek government does not confirm the existence of nuclear weapons in Greece, while government spokesman Dimitris Reppas has stated that there is no new developments in the issue. Meanwhile, the NATO spokesperson in Brussels declined to make any statements on the issue when the Athens news agency asked him relatively. Nevertheless, according to information nuclear bombs stored in Araxos air force base have been removed. [03] Agreement on space scienceDevelopment minister Nikos Christodoulakis announced on Wednesday that the Greek government and the European Space Service signed an agreement on issues pertaining to space science for peaceful purposes. Consequently, Greece will step up the procedures for its full accession to the European Space Service in two years.The agreement was signed between the Greek development minister and the general director of the European Space Service Antonio Rotonda. [04] EU presidency's stands on the Cyprus issueIn the Europarliamentary plenum on Wednesday, The Swedish prime minister Goran Person presented the priorities of the Swedish presidency of the EU and stated that his country will orientate its efforts towards dealing with unemployment and towards the protection of the environment.In a press conference afterwards, Mr Person replied to a question raised by a Danish journalist about Sweden's intentions regarding Turkey and Cyprus - given that Turkey has repeatedly being advised about a Cyprus settlement - and stated that Cyprus itself should resolve its problems and in such a way so as not to prevent the EU enlargement. [05] Constitutional revisionThe first parliamentary session on the debate on the revision of the constitution took place on Wednesday.Taking the floor last night, prime minister Kostas Simitis said that boosting the social state, the citizen's rights and the consolidation of credibility were the basic goals of the constitutional revision. The prime minister also pointed out the need of transparency in the activities of the country's political world. Meanwhile, the leader of the New Democracy party Kostas Karamanlis underlined that the quality and the essence of Democracy were in danger and urged for the implementation of the decisions made by the competent parliamentary committee concerning transparency in public life. Speaking next, the general secretary of the Greek communist party Aleka Papariga said the new constitutional revision was more reactionary and for this reason it would be best to leave it as it is. Finally, the leader of the Coalition of the Left Wing and Progress party Nikos Konstantopoulos said the promoted changes were merely adjustments within the spirit of the rationale of the two major political parties. [06] Changes in the National First Aid CenterHealth minister Alekos Papadopoulos announced after a meeting on the issue of the ''National First Aid Center - EKAV'' that its emergency services will be boosted.Consequently, Mr Papadopoulos said, 18 doctors will be hired for the center, adding that economic incentives have been institutionalized for doctors, so as to cover vacancies in the islands and remote areas. Mr Papadopoulos also announced that a body of assistant doctors would be set up to cover on a yearly basis the needs of the islands in emergency cases and also during the tourist season, stressing however that most of the emergency cases that occur in remote islands should be dealt with on the spot and not be transferred to Athens. Meanwhile, tension still prevails in the National First Aid Center, as many flying doctors refuse to offer their services under adverse conditions. [07] AwardsIn a special event held at the presidential mansion on Wednesday, the Greek president Konstantinos Stefanopoulos presented honorary distinctions to 16 personalities from the world of business, science and also the world of Arts and Letters.President Stefanopoulos said our country had potential and good deeds were worth mentioning and not criticized. [08] Athens bourseOn the Athens stock exchange, the general share price index went up significantly by 2.29%, closing at 3,205.01 points.[09] Thessaloniki MetroEnvironment and public works minister Kostas Laliotis had a meeting with the prime minister on Wednesday and stated afterwards that the construction works for the Thessaloniki metro would finish in time, while his ministry will submit an especially tempting proposition on this major work.The cabinet is expected to make the final decision on the issue today. [10] New buses in AthensThe first 40 buses moving with natural gas will start circulating in the streets of Athens today. The new buses are considered as the most ecological alternative solution for urban transports nowadays.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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