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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-03-07The 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 7/3/2001 11:00:48 рм [01] Concern over the situation in FYROM-Kosovo borderThe International community is greatly concerned over the extremely tense situation prevailing in the borders between Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).Last night, the UN Security Council denounced the atrocities committed by the Albanian extremists in Kosovo and congratulated Yugoslavia's policy on the Serb province. At a time when constant deliberations are taking place to avert the spreading of the activities of the Albanian extremist groups, the Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou flew urgently to Skopje on Tuesday to convey the Greek Prime Minister's message which points out the need for the respect of the existing borders. After the contacts Mr. Papandreou had in Skopje with the country's leadership and also a telephone conversation he had earlier with his American counterpart Colin Powel, he stated that he would continue his contacts with Belgrade and Tirana so that a solution to the problem would be found. In the meantime, during a joint Press Conference with his Swedish counterpart, Mr. Powel expressed his concern over the situation. At the same time, the American Pentagon also talked about unacceptable attacks on behalf of Albanian extremists, which the United States denounce in the most categorical way. The assistant Pentagon spokesperson, vice-admiral Kwigly stated that the attacks of Albanian extremists along the Kosovo-FYROM border were exactly the opposite of what everyone wanted to be achieved in the region. [02] Advice for the Greek economy from European CommissionThe European Commission's report on the issue of "Basic orientations of economic policy for 2000" that will be released in Brussels on Thursday, includes a chapter on Greece, making reference to the need of speeding up structural changes in the Greek economy.The report also mentions that the financial situation in Greece has been improving in the last few years, pointing out at the same time that efforts should be intensified at a faster pace than provided for by the stability program of the Greek economy for the period 2000-2004, so that the public debt could be further reduced. The report is further urging more simplified administrative procedures for the creation of businesses and reduction of tax charges in jobs, as well as the promotion of equality of the sexes in the labour market. [03] Papantoniou anounces agreement with British Finance ministryNational Economy minister Yannos Papantoniou ended his two- day visit to London on Tuesday and announced a cooperation agreement between the finance ministries of Britain and Greece that would be in force immediately. The agreement is related to the upgrading of taxation and administrative services and also to the assessment and re-evaluation of public expenses.As Mr. Papantoniou stated, the aim was to avert extravagances in the public sector and protect the Greek shareholders, investors, and insured people. The government is seeking to maintain a single system of checking and supervising of stock-brocking organisations on the whole and go along with the corresponding initiatives taken up by the other European countries. [04] Simitis urges for structural changesAddressing an event co-organized by social organizations from various sectors on Tuesday, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis invited society's healthy forces to contribute to the structural changes the government was promoting.The Prime Minister strongly criticized those who, in the name of tradition, tried to prevent any moves for modernization and thus "open a window" to the future. He then asked everyone to isolate all those who entrenched themselves behind privileges and mechanisms in order to maintain whichever power they had. [05] Karamanlis to meet Prodi in BrusselsThe New Democracy (ND) party leader Kostas Karamanlis is in Brussels and will have contacts about the prospects of institutional changes in the European Union which were decided upon at the recent EU summit meeting in Nice.Today - Wednesday - Mr. Karamanlis will meet with the European Commission President Romano Prodi to discuss the recent developments in the Western Balkans and the impact of the Turkish economic crisis. [06] Avramopoulos names his newly-established partyAthens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos named his newly- established political party "Free Citizens Movement". The party's emblem is two golden intersected rings.In a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Avramopoulos presented his party's founding declaration and spoke of a new center which would change the modern political setting, stating that he was open to cooperation with other political parties. The first congress of the newly-founded political party will take place in Thessaloniki in autumn. [07] Scotland Yard satisfied with its cooperation with Greek policeIn a Press conference on Tuesday, the chief of Scotland Yard Sir John Stevens stated that Britain was fully satisfied over its cooperation with the Greek authorities in dealing with terrorism.The British official who arrived in Athens on Tuesday, ascertained progress in the sector of investigations underway for the assassination of Brigadier Steven Saunders by the terrorist organization "17 November", during his contacts with the Greek police. Sir Stevens told reporters that the results for the elimination of terrorism would most probably be delayed, as time was required for the investigations. [08] Simitis receives representatives of Greeks living abroadPrime minister Costas Simitis received representatives of Greeks living abroad at Maximos Mansion yesterday. During their meeting the two sides discussed about ways of accelerating the incorporation of Greeks living in the former Soviet Union to the Greek society.[09] The Church of Greece changes stance on important issuesThe Church of Greece left open the possibility yesterday to allow those commiting suicide to receive the usual funeral. The Holy Synod will send a circular to the all churches in Greece giving details on the issue.At the same time, the Holy Synod decided to allow funerals to take place for children that had not been babtized. In tandem, the Church of Greece has changed its stance on the issue related to its discussions with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Holy Synod decided that a delegation of the Church of Greece will visit Fanari on April 5 and 6 in order to discuss its relations with the Patriarchate. [10] Discussion over bill on sports and athletic issuesThe bill on sports and other athletic issues that will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday were examined on Tuesday during a meeting between Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and the minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos and Sports undersecretary George Floridis.[11] New Democracy party critisizes the government over new objective valuesDuring New Democracy party meeting yesterday, in which the competent cadres of the party took part under the chairmanship of Kostas Karamanlis, the party strongly critisized the government on the recent changes of the objective values of properties. New Democracy party Parliamentary Group will convene next Monday.[12] Greece takes measures against mad-cow diseaseGreece is taking all necessary measures to detect cases of the mad-cow disease. Two modern veterinary laboratories are already functioning in Larisa and Thessaloniki, while four more are expected to function in the next days.[13] Drop in fuel pricesFuel prices will drop in Greece, as the international price of crude oil has dropped. Consequently, as of Thursday, gas and heating oil will cost 6 drachmas less per litre, while diesel will drop by 3.5 drachmas per litre.[14] 0,31% rise in Athens Stock Exchange yesterdayOn the Athens Stock Exchange, the General Share Price Index went up by 0.31% on Tuesday, closing at 3.182,34 points.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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